What is the best method for stripping the paint from old kits?
I have lots of old models that I would like to re-paint, but some of the kits already have 2-3 coats of paint on them.
Chris
When I was building car kits whenever I needed to re-paint a body (strip the paint off) I would use, and still use as needed, over-cleaner. I’d put body in a plastic container, generously spray oven-cleaner on it, close the lid and let stand over night. Next day I’d go outside and clean off body with hose. Any stubborn portions of paint would be resprayed with oven-cleaner and cleaned off the next day. Worked well for me!
I will caveat my remarks with the fact that I prime everything, then and now as I build AFV’s.
Glenn
I use vehicle brake fluid, in a bucket for about 24 hours.
I have used oven cleaner to great success as well. Spray it on, seal the model up in a plastic baggie or Tupperware container over night, rinse off. You can use an old toothbrush to remove stubborn paint as well. Works every time.
I use fume free oven cleaner and a soft toothbrush. I spray on the oven cleaner, let it sit for an hour or so and then use the toothbrush to get rid of the paint. I then gently rinse the model in the sink and reapply the oven cleaner if necessary. Sometimes old paint that has been on the model for a long time can be difficulty to clean. So take your time and be gentle with the kit. HTH
I use oven cleaner too , my method is much the same as kaleu’s . It worked well on a partially completed Bandai 1/24 scle Panther , that I acquired from a friend . He had only completed a few of the interior parts , so it was a breeze .
Frank
" PERSEVERANCE "
I was wondering about this topic as well so thanks for the info guys. Is it possible to strip kits with windex window cleaner? As Im sure I heard that somewhere.
Dave
Windex only works on acrylic paints. It won’t do a thing to enamels, except clean them up and make them shiny.
In the ears of the chair, they oven cleaners have it. [:P]
Also will not harm clear parts if you use the Blue Can of easy off but brake fluid does.
I use Polly Scale ELO paint remover. Brush it on, wait awhile, rinse off. Works very well, doesn’t damage plastic, and is available from Testors.com and other dealers. I believe it works on acrylics as well as enamels.
As far as the brake fluid idea–one must keep in mind that the stuff is very caustic to skin. You do not want to get any on you–probably much too hazardous to use. The PollyScale ELO is made specifically to remove all types of paint safely from plastic.