Just recently I found in my parents attic my partly completed “The Visible Horse” and remembered why I stopped building because of the god-awful brush painting I use to do :).
Now I spray everything but the tiniest parts, but I’d like to complete this model and wondered:
How do you remove enamel paint without destorying the model part? Is there anyway to clean it to the bare plastic, and then make it ready for a new coat? or should I just toss this, and buy a new kit?
I’ve had success cleaning paint off of plastic and metal by soaking the piece in a bath of all purpose cleaner, and running it through my cheap ultrasonic cleaner. I haven’t tried it on paint that has had a chance to sit on the model for more than a week. Once the paint has cured, it can be quite the battle to get the paint off. Lots of soaking, and maybe even go at it with a stiff toothbrush to clean out any of the hard to reach areas.
If the model itself was made out of metal then you could probably just soak it in some lacquer thinner. Definitely don’t try that with plastic though.
Easy off oven cleaner. Be really careful, though, it’s caustic and you won’t want it on your skin or in your eyes. It will do the job, though, and shouldn’t harm the plastic.
I would start with something like “Purple Power” type cleaner. Let it soak for several days. I use those sterlite plastic shoebox style boxes with lids. It may also take some scrubbing with a cheap toothbrush. You could use a metal brush for tough spots just be careful.
If this doesn’t work I’d then go with the Easy-off oven cleaner.
With both of these you definitely need those surgical type gloves.
The Easy-off will need to be done in a well venelated area. I’d even suggest having a fan blowing from behind you and across the area where you are working. Best done totally outside, not just in a garage.
I know this from experience!!!
Hello!
You also have the options of using drain cleaner, or soaking the parts to be stripped in brake fluid (DOT-3). All those methods should be used with care - the drain cleaner is somewhat nasty - it can chemically burn you, and it also gets hot when mixed with water. The brake fluid in turn is toxic and you have to think twice to get rid of it after use. But I have used those two methods and they work. So I hope this helps you - good luck with your project and have a nice day
Paweł