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I've been trying to stip paint off a lot of old models, but I can't find a good enough substance to get the paint off with minimal scrubbing. I have bad hands and using a toothbrush or similar will make my hands go numb with pain after like a minute or two, so it's just not possible for me to do large amounts. But I want to repaint my stuff and strip some ebay wins.

I've read on here and elsewhere that sonic cleaners work well, but I don't know which one to get or how to use it for models? It doesn't necessarily have to be big, since I can just do multiple batches, but what works well? Is there a fluid I should fill them with? I"ve seen ones for jewelry, will they work on models? How do you avoid getting it all gunked up with paint?

I'm open to other ideas of how to get my models clean without having to brush too much, too. Maybe there's a really good liquid cleaner or something that strips paint without hurting plastic that won't take srubbing afterwards?

I'm in Canada, so I'd appreciate ideas that are available here. If I can get it on amazon, that would be even better.

Thanks in advance!

Simple Green.

Submerge model for week(s).

Toothbrushes are too soft bristled. I like my Paasche airbrush cleaning brush.

But mostly, Simple Green, for weeks. It wont hurt the models, might break a join if its glue and not cement, but you'll be fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Green-Building-All-Purpose-Concentrate/dp/B01LT23KZO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481501362&sr=8-1&keywords=simple+green

I have an ultrasonic cleaner, I use it all the time. But not for stripping.

I myself bought and tried a sonic cleaner but i did not feel it did anything at all.
I used isopropyl alcohol which was recommended on the box but it the result was pretty much the same as just leaving it in there without doing anything.
I think they are made for much more subtle cleaning like jewelry and stuff where you do not wanna scratch it. But i am not sure. Maybe others have different experience.

Something like this is fine for models:

https://www.amazon.com/Generic-CD-2800-Ultrasonic-Jewelry-Eyeglass/dp/B001DKDAVW/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1481512670&sr=8-4&keywords=ultrasonic+cleaner

It's a bit on the small side (has a removable basket) so you won't be stripping tanks or big clunky dreads, but standard figures are fine. The downside to the cheap ultrasonic cleaners like this one (I have it) is that it has a 3-5 minute run time.

This means if you're going to really strip something down you need to have it nearby and hit it as it turns off (I sit it near my paint desk). I use Super Clean degreaser and it works fantastically well. Perhaps 45 mins. to an hour and it'll clean a basket.

Only a few models have been painted in paint which won't come off (it happens on occasion). Will break up super glue and cleans metal/plastic fine. I use a spray in the sink and a toothbrush to finish the job.

Purchased on eBay:


Sonic Cleaned/Stripped:


Redone: