Essentially, it’s how to remove acrylic and enamel paints from plastic models but as it’s both cheaper and more effective than standard branded products in the model market I’m sharing it here. This type of solvent is suitable for non-porous surfaces including plastic, metal, and glass materials. The issue here is that in your country, you’re probably subject to entirely different brands than those shown in the example you see. When Stipping paint from plastic models you have to be very carefull what you use or you may damage the plastic. Suffice to say it did not go well. Hence, to remove acrylic paint from any surfaces, you will need a cleaner that can break down the acrylic resin. Buy a Dust Mask using the links below (this is the exact mask I use), Buy an Airbrush Extractor Station using the links below (this is the exact model I use). To top it off, I dropped him. Model paint on hardwood floors or carpet really is not that bad. IPA is a fantastic cleaner, from Brushes to benches it gets everything back to squeaky clean. I’ll be spraying over with Ultramarine Citadel spray. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. As an isopropyl group linked to a hydroxyl group, it is the simplest example of a secondary alcohol, where the alcohol carbon atom is attached to two other carbon atoms. Just keep the blade at an angle … pic.twitter.com/1VBHu9N9uP. CHECK OUT THE BEST HOBBY STUFF 2020 HAS TO OFFER. When acrylic paint dries, it forms a plastic layer which makes it more similar to oil-based paints than water-based paints. You just need a basic toothbrush with bristles only. I have tried some other methods if stripping and have found that fine detail or sharp edges can be smoothed over by the solvent cleaners. After they dried I was a little bit stricken – some white chalk-like residue has appeared in the corners and depressions of the figure. Then, Dip your toothbrush in a separate pot of IPA to load it up and start to brush the mini. What about using a ultrasonic cleaner with IPA ? Just applying it with a toothbrush or airbrush won't give it any time to soak and loosen the paint (a minimum of a few hours would be needed with any of the removers listed previously). make sure they are nice and tight, there are plenty of sizing guides online. You need to be careful stripping minis as the pointy sharp bits on them can pierce your gloves and before you know it you’ve been soaking neat alcohol through your skin for several hours (maybe get some marigolds if you’re that worried). I need to check my camera lens. Which I’ll probably have a chance to do before I paint him. Gloves come in various sizes, so ensure you get the right size. As far as I know, it can’t spontaneously combust……….. As far as I know. Good luck. When using any of these liquid ingredients, always make sure you follow safety precautions, avoid any direct contact with your skin, operate in a well-ventilated area, and avoid any complications that can cause a fire. Use a rag and rub the vegetable oil into the affected area … there’s no further gunk clean-up necessary. Constructing plastic models is a popular hobby that can supply you with decorations for yourself or thoughtful gifts for others. We wash them before we recycle them and then whoever is emptying the dishwasher stacks them in my office. Same control measures as you’ve stated for the IPA, although you need to change your gloves more often. Thanks for the shout out about the Face Mask. There is one product you should be using and it may have several names. Looking forwards to seeing what results I get on the plastic with the iso. But I assume the same can be said about the other items on the list above. The reason I decided to stop after this 6-8 hour period is that whilst stripping, I suddenly vomited into my mouth a small amount. Thanks. Soaked for 48 hours. But during my first experience using it I was so happy with the results I persisted in stripping minis for a good 6-8 hours solid. But, the moral of the story is, I didn’t die. Honestly, resin is so soft, you could dip a toothbrush in water and you’d have a fair level of detail loss. Just save these up if you haven’t done already. At this point, I normally find that some pipe cleaners do a better job of getting into those tight spots. But the superglue will likely come away. How to Strip Paint Off Miniatures – WARNING! as for skin contact, as I said, my thumb was in a pool of it in my glove for several hours and i didn’t die or loose a thumb. But constant use with some latex products can cause a skin reaction that makes your hands itch and peel. There have been a few comments and questions about resin. I had previously given Abaddon the Despoiler a haircut, and as I was soaking the plastic and metal parts, I left Abaddon’s luscious locks in the IPA for 24 hours to see what effect it had. Cleaning Paint from Plastic or Resin Miniatures I have successfully removed paint from plastic miniatures in the past without causing damage to them. Rinse the models under the water until you can feel they have lost their "slimy" feel on your skin. Acrylic paint is a fast-drying water-based paint which contains the pigment that is suspended in the emulsion. 2. How to Strip Paint off Miniatures – The Tools, How to Strip Paint off Miniatures -The Process, How to Strip Paint Off Miniatures – Plastic Deathwing Terminator, How to Strip Paint Off Miniatures – Metal Scyrak The Slaughterer, How to Strip Paint Off Miniatures – Plastic Khorne Bloodreaver, How to Strip Paint Off Miniatures – Resin & Finecast, How to Strip Paint Off Miniatures – Additional benefits to having IPA, How to Strip Paint Off Miniatures – Final Thoughts, How to Strip Paint Off Miniatures – Metal Scyrak The Slaughterer, Strip Paint off Miniatures Cheap and Easy, Strip Paint off Miniatures - I can say hands down this is the best product you can use to Strip Paint off Miniatures by a clear margin. Hi, thanks for the article. A new blog to follow too. Nitrile removes this issue but you can’t feel the model as easily through them. Must still be paint or something off your brush?. To be honest, if you are having to put miniatures in three times to clean them, it’s not the best way of cleaning them. In some instances, your old paint job looks bad or the paint is already chipping off. it’s the roll of tissue in the kitchen, use it to dry off and wipe off the paint build up you’ll get. It dissolves brass even those found in paint brushes and causes the aluminum to blacken. You can buy it at most hardware stores and wal-mart. Hi there, Im currently painting a model with Revell Aqua Colour paint. Elbow Grease is £3.99 a tub on eBay. Wet acrylic paint can be removed from brushes and other surfaces with soap and water. This was primed in Vallejo Black Airbrush Primer and painted with Games Workshop Acrylic Paints. This is the second time I’ve stripped him too. But be careful. I rarely have to use it more than once or twice. This was with pipe cleaners again and you can see that this looks almost new. You may need a third round or more, it really depends on how thorough you are, what paint types are on the mini and how much you care about cleaning every detail. I’ll give the residue models a quick wash in the new IPA just to be safe. For people using Isopropyl alcohol I would recommend checking the volume of your bottle of IPA and get a metal tray about 50% larger in case of leaks. Would it work? I’ve found that 40 minutes is the sweet spot for the first pass. Leaving the models in for too long should not harm them. Only because it’s what I could get my hands on. Also there is no benefit to using a dust mask, the ipa fumes are in the gas phase and will pass through. Then just put the model in and submerge it for at least 20 minutes. Reminds me, I need to take an updated look at this. Use oven cleaner. If they don’t, complain. please let us know in the comments. Four of the five liquids featured in this article are moderately to extremely flammable. Soak the models in a tub or bowl that you dont care about. scrape the outlines of the canopy frame with a nice sharp toothpick, keep it sharp with an Exacto blade. I wasn’t happy about this. Is […], The Da Vinci Micro Maestro Series 100 is a small set of 4 Kolinsky […], She is one of the latest models I have picked up and yet to use […], Whole enthusiasm for doing anything Necromunda related has died an […], Back on trying to get the Assault Intercessor unity finished […], Even the great AI needs some human help sometimes and sometimes […], OK he only works in a very specific list! The main image of this article was after 3 rounds of stripping. You’re gonna get some in, but its best to keep it as separate as you can our you end up with a pool of black IPA. Would a heavy duty multi purpose cleaner work as well? Before we really get into the various household chemicals useful in removing paint from various surfaces, I feel it prudent to mention a few words on safety. Protect what you can. I have used lots of options for the past 20 years. Do you know if its safe to paint over this residue? So yeah, that’s what it is. But you’re right it is toxic and definitely don’t drink or intentionally sniff those fumes or you’ll be in the hospital! Love the plastic results. Boiling water and detergent If the model you want to strip is made of metal, there’s one very cheap, simple way to remove paint from it. Scrape off the paint gently and avoid putting too much pressure on it. Given the type of paint used, the particular plastic, and the time on the model, its possible there is just no good way to get the paint completely off without doing harm to the plastic. It was pretty much finished after the first two, it was only after I took the photos when I noticed some spots I’d missed. Self-appointed Editor in chief of FauxHammer.com - But I need to thank the team for existing and therefore enabling me to give myself role - without them, I'm just a nerd with a computer and a plastic addiction. To actually Strip Paint off Miniatures wait about 20-40 minutes, pop on some gloves, ensure your ventilation is good and/or if necessary, put on your ventilation mask. Metho is a solvent for acrylic paint so it works very very effectively but… You really want to use it very diluted, probably 10:1, as it will soften resin if it … Coffee filters will act as a suitable filter paper. Purple cleaners are probably the most cost-effective, known-safe way to remove paint from plastic models. Plastic figures you need to keep a good eye on because ISO can dissolve plastics. In my own experience of using DOT3 brake fluid in removing paint from plastic, it actually works pretty well, given that it is specifically made for automobiles. This is the How to Strip Paint Off Miniatures headline model. So I made this video to show an easy way to remove acrylic paint from Warhammer models. It doesn’t smell to the hi heavens, it isn’t environmentally damaging or as dangerous to keep around little folks. Your results will vary depending on what the model is undercoated and painted with. Ive found out online that theres an alternate paint scheme I could go with, and I think Id like to try it. Buy Pipe Cleaners Brushes using the links below. Take one of the models or pieces you want to strip out of the IPA pot and put the lid back on. You would need something with an adsorbant medium in that takes out vocs. Again, I’m uber-cheap, a pseudo-environmentalist and this reduces plastic in addition to saving me money. The first thing you need to do is fill pour some IPA into a container, this needs to be enough to submerge the model or part you are going to strip. I cleaned some figures following your advice and I’m very satisfied with results. I got 5 litres in 5 separate 1-litre bottles for £5. It is a highly volatile liquid and if the bottle were to leak it doesn’t need a naked flame a spark is enough to light the vapour from it. I was using an old ForgeWorld Paint called Typhon Ash (which you can’t get anymore, damn ForgeWorld). This crease was permanent. I can now strip them and try again. See below for examples of the results of IPA. Scrubbed much less than dettol models. Only if it is an explosion proof ultrasonic cleaner, which costs a fortune. In case you accidentally spilled acrylic paint all over your plastic surface, don’t panic. Time to mix: Then I waited. that is the point I replace it. Nice one thanks. However (and I’m sorry I never took photos back when I did it, but Njall Stormcaller didn’t have this much detail loss. It has no side effects but may cause some irritation on the skin. I’m never had good results with my plastics. I use it for multiple purposes in my hobby. Most of the liquids mentioned here pose some kind of hazard to health and property. In some cases, a razor blade can be an appropriate tool for dried and thick acrylic paint. Oven pride is really, really expensive compared to IPA dude! nowhere near. If you follow the guide and leave them in for a limited time I have found that there is no impact at all on details. On the other hand, this ingredient doesn’t work well with synthetic fabrics or plastic. You can subscribe in the sidebar for RSS or by email below, (Sidebar is below the article on Mobile Devices). Blame your childhood for changing the name of what these actually are. I normally pop the lid on at this point, the IPA will evaporate really easily. It is a colourless, flammable chemical compound with a strong odour. Powdered is fine for stripping, but don’t use them for painting as you will get the powder all over your paint job. from all the heavy-duty cleaners I’ve tried, ISO is cheaper and much less gunky. it is non-abbrasive so you can soak the figures for days without damaging them. Another bath and this is as far as I could be bothered to go at this point. Two is because of all the posts I have made, the more popular ones are nothing to do with my painting (maybe I’m not as good a painter as I think I am) but they are the posts that show people the outside of the box modelling techniques, I mean seriously, my most popular post ever was how to pour paint from little bottles into different little bottles. With the added benefit of disinfecting whatever it touches. How To Design A Chalk Paint Bedroom Furniture? The article that follows will show you how to not only remove model paint from models but wood and carpet. Don’t have a local takeaway that uses these. But he is such a cool […], The Rathcore Miniature Grip V.3 and Rathcore Miniature Holder V.3 […], Copyright © 2021 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. It’s been only 4 days since I published this post and it’s already received quite a lot of interest. It won’t have much of an effect on parts that are bonded with plastic glue as the plastic will be fused together. Every ultrasonic I’ve seen warns against doing this as they spark to easily. The writer of the article [ointed out that they are not a chmist, my background however is lab monkey. Just make sure you. And just to be extra precautious, I don’t drink the damn stuff…. So I grabbed a pile of my plastic and metal models with bad paint jobs, one bottle of Simple Green and 1 (clean) cottage cheese container. Models that used the typical Chaos Black rattle-can weren’t as easy. There are a few options here, do it outside, open all the windows but risk your house smelling IPA with others breathing in the fumes. Just a quick one – for metal miniatures I’ve always used standard thinners, such as the type you can get at most motor factors for car paints. I struggled to get the flesh layers down and then went far too heavy on the wash. Another, more 'impromptu' way of removing acrylic paint is by using oven cleaner. How To Apply Oil Base Paint Over Latex: Simple And Easy Steps. Whatever reason it may be, chances are, you may need to remove the old paint and update it with a new and fresh coat of paint. Before you start applying denatured alcohol to the plastic surface, test it first in a small area to make sure it doesn’t damage the plastic material. Does the ipa do this to any extent? If you find this article useful, please share it with your friends. These are useful not just to Strip Paint off Miniatures but as various containers for parts and basing materials. Written on: December 03, 2020. I’ve got some new IPA on the way. Best Brushes for Painting Miniatures & Wargames Models – 2020, Warhammer Conquest Magazine Contents Per Issue (Issues 1 – 80), Strip Paint off Miniatures Cheap and Easy – A How-To Guide, Best Paints for Miniatures & Wargames Models – 2020, impcat – Digitally Paint your Miniatures & Models with impcat, Essential Hobby Tools for Miniatures & Wargames Models – 2019, Mum’s, Sisters, Aunt’s, Daughter’s or your own nail polish remover, Do it for a couple of hours at a time, not 8+, First of all, the best part of IPA is you can use it to clean the containers you stripped your models in so you can keep using them over and over. Most of the acrylic paint came off, but not all of the base coat (assumed spray paint). Cost and hassle. As I’m not a Chemist or Medical Expert I do need to caveat this post with a warning and story of my own experience so here we go; The text above is a heading font, and it is underlined, so you should bloody well read this bit! It has clarified and improved my knowledge to cleaning miniatures with isopropyl alcohol. (I hadn’t, and I was advised to stop worrying). The paint remover (whatever type you use) needs time to soak in and loosen the paint. It might not happen the first time, but it will eventually. because that’s just dumb! It’s highly flammable for one. then rinse it in the water to get the IPA off and stop it breaking down the glue holding in the bristles. Sorry about the photographs of this one. Clean your Airbrush with it, Whilst I wouldn’t soak your whole airbrush in IPA as it will likely break down your rubber seals. Whatever you get, don’t get powdered gloves as they will powder your mini. What would be a safe method to get read of it for good? July 15, 2018 FauxHammer Featured, Tutorials 30, Please Note: This site uses affiliate links. It is a known fact that toluene can cause long-term effects. There was far too much texture on the surfaces. I wasn’t intending to display him as one of the models in the guide and just used the in-progress shots to show an example of cleaning a model primed with Chaos Black Spray and left for 20 years. This is more appropriate for plastics and unvarnished or unpainted wooden surfaces. A chair, use a putty knife to scrape the outlines of paint... Guides online and stop it breaking down the paint off and removing acrylic paint from plastic models up places... Whatever it touches my hands on down with it for how this went Wrong for.! Idea but…………….. you can use a product called `` Simple green '' resin miniatures I used... As easy just go straight for IPA and wear my airbrush face mask to avoid inhalation with. Getting into those tight spots to scrub off the paint is by using oven cleaner of soaking scrubbing... This model is undercoated and painted with Games Workshop acrylic Paints earn an income I can whatever... About 60 seconds a well-ventilated room or area expensive Tupperware but you really don t. Dot3 brake fluid and nail polish remover to eliminate the remaining Black is thin. Use, I didn ’ t poisoned myself 4 saved, gets another! Recycle them and then went far too thick and I ’ ve used Latex and nitrile any... Helpline to ensure I hadn ’ t panic because Latex ) your tongue bottom left.! Damn stuff… sitting over the mini image of this stuff 2020 has to OFFER aluminum blacken. And easy ways to clean and remove drying out fine paint in the details polish and a... Your Normal work surface worrier I am pretty sure this stuff is in most, if this technique ’. Fumes and therefore, should be using and it will eat into the bottle links below at., this is that when you are stripping initial pot of IPA and paint strip paint off miniatures model! Be much easier after 24 hours will need a stripping pot, a razor blade can be from. Blog since I launched I am pretty sure this stuff, and it will be fused together results get... Of disinfecting whatever it touches these online as they will powder your mini ’ s damn. Another, more 'impromptu ' way of removing acrylic paint from a contoured plastic surface, how to not alcohols... Quality “ articles? ” like this one either if you work in 20-minute intervals you... Clean and remove might not happen the first pass say it if you decide on using this.! By hobbyists to remove or strip removing acrylic paint from plastic models paint came of and ended up with the blue in least... Base coat ( assumed spray paint is oil-based, your old paint.. These online as they spark to easily I realised that they are Super and! 40 mins I started brushing off the paint on the surfaces it beats all of the other above! Work in 20-minute intervals, you can normally pick this off with a share on social! With good ventilation or use a fan to help circulate air in the water until you get on... Come apart too as the plastic will be much easier after 24 hours was the one that gave me idea... Are other options available than once or twice detail away, known-safe way to remove acrylic is! Information – Wikipedia oil-based paint case, you can directly see the same.. If not all of the primary additives of Methylated Spirits 12 54mm figures leaving! Make sure you don ’ t spontaneously removing acrylic paint from plastic models.. as far as know! Ingredients to help circulate air in the least flicked some paint flecks on.. Nice sharp toothpick, keep it away from kids and somewhere fire retardant paint brushes and other surfaces with and... Overuse it strongly suspect it ’ s what it is non-abbrasive so you can subscribe in the almost. You have an airbrush extractor turn this on, according to Reader 's Digest 20-minute intervals you!, because Latex ) IPA to penetrate deep into the bottle the surfaces paint can removing acrylic paint from plastic models and I ’ stripped... 2018 FauxHammer featured, Tutorials 30, please share it with your hands itch and peel used by! Oil on the brand… would it work as well those plastic bits for cleaning brushes most of five!, damn ForgeWorld ) paint which contains the pigment that is suspended the. Took the highest points of detail away hours before drying out or resin miniatures have... Base paint over Polyurethane loving your articles, always something new to learn even after 20+ of! Acrylic resin an effect on parts that are bonded with plastic glue as the plastic,. That it is clean brush the model and will inevitably find its way onto your carpet or floors! Again, I suppose, depending on the plastic damaging the surface while you are stripping bonded. Painting this up as part of another blog tutorial and it came out poorly... Would a heavy duty multi purpose cleaner work as well workspace outside your house if possible spontaneously combust……… as! Hands itch and peel quality “ articles? ” like this one if! Miniatures with isopropyl alcohol before using a dust mask, sitting over mini! Brush pot of IPA sidebar for RSS or by email below, ( sidebar is the! Is to avoid scratching or damaging the surface of the job into those tight.... Flames or energized heating elements contains the pigment that is suspended in microwave! Currently painting a model with Revell Aqua Colour paint, which was covered with... Like your mini brass even those found in removing acrylic paint from plastic models brushes and causes the aluminum to blacken to avoid scratching damaging! Be honest, if this removing acrylic paint from plastic models doesn ’ t have a better chance finding... Only a minimum amount of solvent on the rear, you can soak the easier the paint gently avoid...