Stripping Dilema

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

In 20 years I have had to strip 2 models and used "Easy-Off " oven cleaner, which worked very well. Easy-Off will not harm styrene.

I now have a model painted with MM enamels and sealed with Testors dullcoat. The paint is totally cured BTW.

I tried the Easy-Off method (including waiting long enough for the EO to work, and scrubbing with an old toothbrush), to very frustrating results. Model is resistant to this. Paint really sticking in many places. I suspect because of the laquer dullcoat.

Any ideas that will not harm the styrene on a large expensive plane model?

2

I would try regular paint thinner. I have used it before to strip paint and never had any problems. If that doesn’t work, use brake fluid. It won’t eat the pastic, but it will stip all the paint!

3

Paint thinner will eventually affect styrene if soaked long enough.

Try brake fluid. Do a forum search on it—there was a recent thread that told you what type to use.

4

Thanks Men …I’ll search it…but then cleaning the break fluid …

5

Soap and water! [:D]

6

I didn’t mean to soak the model in paint thinner, I was thinking use a rag and wipe it down. I think the brake fluid would be the safest bet also, since its an older model, just to be safe.

7

DOT3 brake fluid works good. Washes up easy with dish soap (Dawn) hth, [:)]

Eddie

8

A word of caution: DOT 3 and 4 may dissolve “tube glue” as well as paint.

9

Try Super Clean degreaser.

You have to submerge it in Super Clean for it to work well though.

When you used Easy Off did you spray it on and then seal the model in a plastic bag or airtight container? You have to if you want it to work well as the fumes are what makes it clean.