Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I know there are a few threads on paint stripping but I haven't seen an answer to this particular question yet....

I bought some models recently and wanted to strip them. I soaked them in acetone nail varnish remover for around 18 hours and then went at them with a toothbrush. Most of the paint has come off although on a few of the newer ones (white metal, not lead), it looks as though the black undercoat has almost 'stained' the metal and is much darker than it should be. Some of the areas also almost feel a little greasy. I've never had this happen before, even when stripping much older models.

Does anyone have any tips for removing paint from the little nooks and crannies? I've tried with both a toothbrush and cocktail stick but neither seem to work.

Electric toothbrush.

If its a stain on the metal rather than paint residue you're probably not going to get it off if you've already stripped the model. But if its getting the last bits of paint off then a small wire brush is ideal. It won't effect the detail on the model but its hard enough to remove small bits of paint that are left after stripping. Its also a good final prep before priming/ painting the model.

I had this on my Van Saar minis, 10 year old chaos black undercoat left patches

I put it down to porous metal, where the solvent in the paint seeped into minute surface cracks and filled the voids

I have never seen it happen on lead models

Definitely had 50% of the metals I've stripped come out very dark, much darker than the original metal. However, it's had zero impact on painting them, or the surface texture - and I've had zero issues with them feeling greasy. Toss them in some Super Clean automotive degreaser if you're worried, but it shouldn't impact the rescuing or repainting of the miniature at all.

Also, I've found that soaking or stripping a miniature for longer periods often ends up darkening them (vs. a quick couple bursts of ultrasonic cleaning over a short period).