Removing Paint
 
Removing Paint
 
Posted By: James Holloway <Fholl46282@aol.com>
Date: Saturday, 23 December 2000, at 1:32 a.m.
 
Sirs, after a twenty-year layoff I have decided to revamp some old models. What would be the best and safest to the model, way of removing all the paint from a 1/32 built kit?
 
Posted By: Richard Campbell <muppyt@ihug.co.nz>
Date: Saturday, 23 December 2000, at 2:06 a.m.
 
In Response To: Removing Paint (James Holloway)
 
Hi James,
There are several products available for removing old paint.
1. Brake Fluid - DON'T use it - far too harsh and can melt some plastics.
2. 'Chameleon' - a model railroad product designed specifically for removing paint from plastic models.
Several soakings in this stuff will remove just about any paint.
3. 'Scalemaster' - also a model railroad product. Again designed especially for removing paint from plastic models.
Scalemaster is a little harsher than Chameleon and will also remove glued joints. Best to test on some plastic first.
This stuff is good for removing 'Floquil' paints, which aggressively attach themselves to plastic surfaces.
4. 'Pine Sol' - very handy kitchen/laundry product that can be picked up at the supermarket (often on special too !)
Not as aggressive as Scalemaster or Chameleon so several soakings may be needed to achieve the desired result.
After any soakings in these products, wash the model in warm soapy water (to neutralize the reaction) and scrub with a toothbrush to loosen stubborn paint.
When using any of these products, thin vinyl/latex protective gloves are a good idea as they can cause dermatitis to some sensitive skins.
Hope this is of help to you.
Happy modelling
Richard C.
 
Posted By: The PLASTIC Surgeon
Date: Saturday, 23 December 2000, at 11:08 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Removing Paint (Richard Campbell)
 
Hello James,
An old trick handed of by my brother-in-law.
HEAVY DUTY EASY-OFF OVEN CLEANER. This stuff eats paint and decals without harming the plastic. I’d get an old toothbrush too. For the clear parts I'd soak them in Clorox bleach.
 
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