Stripping paint on large models

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**DakkaHammer**

Hi Dakka,

I've been using Simple Green to strip paint off of some of my models with a fair amount of success.
However, my next project is a hammerhead (engines and turret removable, back hatch opens, but otherwise solid). Does anyone have any recommendations for how to do this other then get a large container and a lot of simple green?

**Desubot**

Iv had success putting the hammerhead in a big zip lock and filling it with simple green. then carefully placing that in a bucket. Edit: Encase the bag opens up or rips

**Eilif**

Desubot's suggestion is a good one. It will probably use a bit less green than other options, but either way, you're looking at using alot more green than usual.

For vehicles, I'd recommend the same process as with simple green, but go with "Purple Power" or "Super clean". Both have the same main ingredient as Green, but also have some additional ingredients and are colored purple and work faster and stronger. You will have to use gloves, but it's not terribly dangerous, just a skin irritant.

I've stripped tanks like this before, and a bucket with Green (or purple) worked for me. Buy yourself a funnel and some coffee filters from the dollar store and you can reuse the fluid a few times so it's not like you're wasting it on a large vehicle.

**LazzurusMan**

A friend uses an old fish tank, filled it with diluted fairy power spray and then dunks the models for a week or two using pebbles to keep larger models that float at the bottom.

**DakkaHammer**

Thanks for the advice! I'll try out using a ziplock bag, and I hadn't thought of filtering it after

**Eilif**

DakkaHammer wrote:
Thanks for the advice! I'll try out using a ziplock bag, and I hadn't thought of filtering it after

You're welcome! As for filtering, I have no empirical proof, but it does seem like the fluid lasts longer and works more effectively when strained from time to time. As a cheap funnel and coffe fliters are the next thing to free, it's definitely worth it. Best of luck with the paint stripping!

**Matney X**

Eilif wrote:
Buy yourself a funnel and some coffee filters from the dollar store and you can reuse the fluid a few times so it's not like you're wasting it on a large vehicle.

That's genius! I've always thought I'd just use the old stuff with paint flecks floating in it.

If you have a dollar store around, get some LA's Totally Awesome. It's considerably cheaper than Simple Green, and in my experience works better -- even if it's slightly worse than SG, since you'll be using more it might be worth the hassle.

**Eilif**

Matney X wrote:
Eilif wrote:
Buy yourself a funnel and some coffee filters from the dollar store and you can reuse the fluid a few times so it's not like you're wasting it on a large vehicle.

That's genius! I've always thought I'd just use the old stuff with paint flecks floating in it.

If you have a dollar store around, get some LA's Totally Awesome. It's considerably cheaper than Simple Green, and in my experience works better -- even if it's slightly worse than SG, since you'll be using more it might be worth the hassle.

I tried some Totally Awesome and it definitely worked as well (possibly better) than SG, but I didn't find it to be as effective as Purple Power or Super Clean which are more effective, but more toxic than either SG or TA. Still, it's a good product and if you don't need something as wonderfully non-toxic as SG it's a fine option and a good bargain.

However, at 7-8 bucks for a gallon (128 oz), Super clean is only about twice as expensive as Totally Awesome which comes 30 oz for a buck.

**Matney X**

I really need to try some Super Clean. Maybe I should start bidding on Land Raiders.

**Eilif**

Matney X wrote:
I really need to try some Super Clean. Maybe I should start bidding on Land Raiders.

Get to it!
I stripped 3 Basilisks with Simple Green HD, a purple fluid very similar to Super clean.

**HairySticks**

Fairy power Spray, just spray it on (potentially in the sink or some wreckable container

), wait a short while and scrub with your fav old tooth brush.

Shouldnt need to be submerged this way?