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2015/09/02 20:29:03
Subject: Best paint remover/stripper readily available in the UK
Looking for a good paint stripper to get the paint of some old models, I can find a lot of suggestions for those based in the US but was wondering what the options were for us in the UK? Something effective and does not melt the plastic or metal in anyway, and also any tips for paint stripping apart from soaking it and going at it with a toothbrush
Thanks!
~500pts Asuryani painted new colour scheme
~7500pts Asuryani assembled some with old colour scheme
2015/09/02 20:52:42
Subject: Best paint remover/stripper readily available in the UK
Buttery Commissar wrote: As kb said, Isopropyl alcohol. It is cheaper and works just as well as Dettol, and doesn't stink. you can get it from Amazon, Maplins, B&Q, all over.
You managed to procure some then? I've got gallons of it now, it is great for so many things.
2015/09/03 21:13:38
Subject: Best paint remover/stripper readily available in the UK
Just don't try that on non-metal minis, it will end in tears.
And don't buy a big tin thinking you'll get through it. Just discovered mine is all dryed out after a few years not needing it. But now I have planes to strip! Reluctantly the Dettol is on the go.
And yes, Nitromors strips paint better but will melt any plastic, so metal minis only for that stuff.
The other thing is that it's seriously noxious stuff, the fumes would strip the colour from your eyes and stings your skin if it's in contact for any length of time! Dettol may smell a bit but it won't do damage to your person. It's also much safer for plastics but the paint will need to be scrubbed off with a brush and the process takes a lot longer. It's probably cheaper too.
I
Dettol will dry your skin out something chronic if you get it on you undiluted. Always grab some hand lotion afterwards, even if it incidentally makes you feel oh-so-pretty.
Prevents shedding half your fingertips the next day.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/09/03 23:29:49
Don't use Dettol, and other people stop recommending Dettol! it's inferior to Isapropyl alcohol in every way. You have to soak stuff for 24+ hours, your miniatures will stink forever, you can't rinse it in water or the paint turns to sticky gunk.
Isapropyl alcohol is awesome, it takes like 1 hour and you can wash your stuff in water and it'll be clean, and not smell like a chemical toilet.
A really good source is Biostip 20 it's a bit more expensive than just up strait up Isapropyl alcohol, but it's a proper paint stripper, it's thick so you can paint it onto things like tanks, to strip them without submerging them. I've used it on hundreds of plastic miniatures and most come out perfect after a 1 hour soak, and a gentle scrub with a tooth brush.
Some need more cycles (usually because certain types of paint become sticky), but I've never had anything that didn't strip well enough to be repainted.
EDIT: video of Biostrip in action:
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2015/09/04 11:25:40
2015/09/04 11:22:26
Subject: Re:Best paint remover/stripper readily available in the UK
People recommend Dettol because you can just pick it up with your food at the supermarket, the corner store, any newsagent with a first aid section.
It is the Subway of stripping tools. Easy, accessible, really really stinky to everyone else.
If you can get it Acetone is great on metal models; it can strip a metal model in a matter of minutes although I leave stuff overnight. It will melt plastic though so its got fairly limited uses these days.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/09/04 11:34:38
~500pts Asuryani painted new colour scheme
Legion: Dark Angels 