Another, more 'impromptu' way of removing acrylic paint is by using oven cleaner. The other week I tried the same method on a couple of old kits, but it didnt touch the paint. Depending on what the parts are made of, you may need to use non-acetone remover. You may find this article on removing paint from models useful. Paint stripping plastic is something all modelers will be faced with at some point. I've done this with a few dozen models I built decades ago as well as some I've gotten at garage sales. How to remove paint from plastic models. Use a nail polish remover to remove paint from the plastic materials. Dried paint does not come off as quickly or easily as fresh or wet paint. The standard technique is to soak the model (after you remove clear-parts) in brake fluid, usually overnight. I used a caltex dot 4 brake fluid. Scrub Off Old Paint. I found out the accidental way, that Testor's acrylic thinner will remove acrylic, enamel and lacquer, and begin to attack garage resin as well. You might want to do this if you buy used painted models and want to paint them yourself. Like I said it takes time, but I have used this method to take models painted with spray enamels and lacquers back down to the initial plastic … Use a paper towel to rub it gently. Brush off all the loose paint onto the newspaper with your toothbrush. Purple cleaners are probably the most cost-effective, known-safe way to remove paint from plastic models. I suspect that the new oven spray cleaners are … Just follow the steps below. How can I get the enamel paint off without damaging the model? Tesco trigger spray oven cleaner will usually take off the paint without doing any harm to the plastic, but as you have been told separating the parts from each other may well be very difficult. However, its effectiveness for removing paint from plastic varies depending on several factors, such as how long the paint has set and the type of paint. It doesn't matter if you need to remove acrylic, oil paint, enamel, or primer. Removing paint from models. I want to remove the paint and start over. The standard technique is to soak the model (after you remove clear-parts) in brake fluid, usually overnight. You'll want to work in a well-ventilated area. I recently started using SOME acrylics (Tamiya) and those work fine also. The standard technique is to soak the model (after you remove clear-parts) in brake fluid, usually overnight. But there are various industrial commercial grade paint removers available in the market that can be used to remove the paint from the plastic surface. What should I use to remove dried enamel paint from glass and plastic? Trying using a dot 3 or 4 brake fluid. It's a Tamiya motorcycle kit and I spray painted the pieces which went on too thick. His dad was sure it would work. I have a Tamiya Leopard 1. If you used acrylic paints, WIndex will remove the paint, again follow the suggestion above. Next, take the plastic bristle brush and apply more force than the prior brush. It is a tricky task to remove paint from plastic. I recently built my first model and I'm not quite happy with the paint. If the model you want to strip is made of metal, there’s one very cheap, simple way to remove paint from it. If they're hard plastic, I think enamel paint bonds with the surface and can't be removed. Join Yahoo Answers and get 100 points today. Paint stripping plastic is something all modelers will be faced with at some point. At this point in your project, I would wash the model with warm water and … At this point in your project, I would wash the model with warm water and … http://www.chameleonproductsonline.com/. I then take the parts out and give them a light scrubbing with a toothbrush while running water in the tap(This is to rinse away the old paint, as well as the CSC). Remove paint from plastic by soaking My favorite method to remove paint from small plastic items is to soak it in a purple cleaner like Super Clean . Last time I got some from Faversham Model Shop. Can I use my smartphone to go birdwatching? GOOD luck and always use proper ventilation !! I've done this with a few dozen models I built decades ago as well as some I've gotten at garage sales. Scrub Off Old Paint. His dad was sure it would work. The baking soda will slowly remove the layer(s) of paint without damaging the details that were cast in the original model. That acetone will melt the plastic !! Expert columnists offer tips and solutions to modeling problems about muscle cars, racing vehicles, dioramas, and trucks. Allow the remover to work for a few moments and then use the toothbrush to remove the model paint. Easy Off works also. 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. Finishing, in everything from paint to decals, is what makes that model come alive. For oven cleaner, spray the model and seal it in a plastic container to keep the fumes inside, the help dissolve the paint. Here's a quick list of what I use. Vinegar works best on latex paint. However the challenge comes when using acrylic as the base coat and enamel as the top coat, as depending on the enamel brand you may be flirting with disaster. Some of the paint will probably stained the plastic. It has a primer coat and a winter camo with german grey and large white stripes. Remove the section from the hanger and sand the surface to remove blemishes and create a smooth surface for your paint coat. Removing enamel paint from plastic model parts? To remove paint from a contoured plastic surface like a chair, use a razor blade in the manner described above. How to remove paint from plastic models. Boil it in a mixture of water with a few scoops of Tide in it. Detergent cannot be used as your main solvent as it cannot remove the paint from plastic by itself. Dried paint on hardwood is as easy to remove as wet paint. Yes, you heard right, oven cleaner. You may be able to scrape off the top layer or a portion of the paint stain. This time, we’ll lightly touch on the various aspects of finishing a model with paint and decals. 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. Solid, clean construction makes a scale model accurate. If the model you want to strip is made of metal, there’s one very cheap, simple way to remove paint from it. Detergent cannot be used as your main solvent as it cannot remove the paint from plastic by itself. It doesn't matter if you need to remove acrylic, oil paint, enamel, or primer. I'm looking for a substance in which I can leave the parts submerged overnight. I've done this with a few dozen models I built decades ago as well as some I've gotten at garage sales. Take Paint Off of Models: This article shows how to take paint off of old models so that you can repaint them. Normally I let them soak overnight, but depending on the type of paint and how long the paint has had to cure, sometimes it only takes an hour or so. Rinse item in soap and water, and you’re ready to paint, NOW, no oily residue left behind. Once the paint begins to soften, use the plastic ice scraper to try to remove the splatter. Step-By-Step To Get Paint Off Plastic. I've used Super Clean to remove 20+ year old enamel off a few models. You can even try to use duraglit or any other metal polish to remove the spray paint from the plastic surface but this is dependent on many factors like the amount of paint and the type of plastic. Brake fluid can serve as an acceptable alternative to paint stripper for removing paint from small metal or plastic objects. Pine-Sol strips them all. Only use one toothbrush, as the second will be used later in the process. Depending on how many coats of old paint you want to remove, it is usually one swipe of the cotton ball and the paint is gone. If you want to sell them, taking the paint off and priming the models c… I use the Onyx Professional, item # 03030, and have never soaked anything. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages, but most modellers tend to have a preference based on what they are trying to achieve and how they intended to apply the paint. I diluted it a bit because i couldnt fit all my models under the solution, but full strength is okay. Leave it in for a few hours, but keep checking them to make sure the plastic doesnt go soft and melt. Get your answers by asking now. For future reference: several paint companies make stripping liquids. The exotic stuff mentioned above won't attack the plastic, plus, most of it is enviromentally friendly. (Note, do not try this at home) 1) Spray them with vinegar 2) stand them on a cookie-sheet 3) place in the oven 4) bake until droopy Happened to a kid from the local store. Stripping paint from miniatures - Resources. Boiling water and detergent. Boiling water and detergent. Stripping paint from miniatures - Resources. You'll want to work in a well-ventilated area. If you used acrylic paints, WIndex will remove the paint, again follow the suggestion above. Using a scraper may remove the paint from a plastic product but not all the time. Mine works. Vinegar can remove dried paint from paintbrushes, according to Reader's Digest. I've been painting military miniatures and plastic models since 1974, and have NEVER had a problem with brand-name enamels and their matching thinners. Now that you have all the things you need, you are ready to do the job. Check out our Abrasives and Sanding Guide for more helpful tips! After soaking for about 24 hours, you'll find that most paint ready to remove. Check out our Abrasives and Sanding Guide for more helpful tips! Some of the paint will probably stained the plastic. How to remove paint from plastic models. Pour a little nail polish remover onto a sponge and squeeze the sponge to let the nail polish remover drip over the model paint. Boil it in a mixture of water with a few scoops of Tide in it. Would worm watching be an interesting new hobby. Step 1 – Use a Paint Scraper Once I have the paint removed I then thouroghly rinse the part in water. Tougher and larger stains may require using the steel wool. Just keep the blade at an angle … However, like warm water, it can make the job easier. Make SURE you wear gloves and safety glasses. If you want to sell them, taking the paint off and priming the models c… Enamel thinner will attack the plastic after a few minutes of the plastic soaking in it. For oven cleaner, spray the model and seal it in a plastic container to keep the fumes inside, the help dissolve the paint. Dried paint on hardwood is as easy to remove as wet paint. Purple cleaners are probably the most cost-effective, known-safe way to remove paint from plastic models. Now that you have all the things you need, you are ready to do the job. Brake fluid is commonly used in the wargaming and modeling community by modelers looking to remove an old paint job in preparation for a new one. I've used Super Clean to remove 20+ year old enamel off a few models. I used enamel paints (Testors) to paint a couple of model kits. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages, but most modellers tend to have a preference based on what they are trying to achieve and how they intended to apply the paint. While it may be easy to strip paint from metal, wood, or ceramic, plastic requires more careful attention to keep the material intact. How can I get the enamel paint off without damaging the model? I'm never much of a fan of stripping paint: it means I've wasted effort and time on the unsuccessful original coat. Here's a quick list of what I use. You might want to try Bio Strip. 07 Jan 2012 8:18 p.m. PST: Easy Off works also. For plastic models, what this does is help loosen the paint for the plastic bristle brush you will use next. When Stipping paint from plastic models you have to be very carefull what you use or you may damage the plastic. ---Tom--- That has such people in it! The post uses … In case if the paint can’t be removed easily from the plastic surface, use more solvent and then rub it. Heat distilled white vinegar on high in the microwave for about 60 seconds. However, like warm water, it can make the job easier. After soaking for about 24 hours, you'll find that most paint ready to remove. I would go to my local hobby store and buy this. Is there a specific term for model ships that are made for water? Stripping Paint: Various suggestions from Clubhouse Members: I used a combo of Simple Green and a non toxic paint stripper that is a paste kinda deal to get my Sideshow Gollum all cleaned off. Scrape off the paint gently and avoid putting too much pressure on it. Remove the section from the hanger and sand the surface to remove blemishes and create a smooth surface for your paint coat. Solid, clean construction makes a scale model accurate. Is it odd for a person in my age bracket to work puzzles and use adult coloring books? That acetone will melt the plastic !! In the previous article, we discussed seven major steps to building better models. Do NOT get those models NEAR nail-polish remover !! You can either spray the foam onto the model and put it into a ziplock bag and leave it for a day or two, or spray it into a cup and scrub it on with a toothbrush. Keep scrubbing away in all the grooves and areas until the paint is gone. Wash the surface of your scale model kit section with a damp rag and drop of dish soap. I had to strip black acrylic off of a part painted with Testor's enamel gray primer, then with enamel red/yellow, then coated over with a dull coat lacquer, and finally top coated with black acrylic. I did find a post on instructables.com. Great how-to content and kit reviews help builders of all skill levels to improve their 1/16, 1/24, 1/25, and small-scale models. Let is soak in a plastic tub a day or so then us an old tooth brush to scrub the surface. Still have questions? I'm looking for a way to remove most if not all the paint without destroying the model. I want to repaint them. I recently built my first model and I'm not quite happy with the paint. Our community is FREE to join. This will not remove the majority of the paint for plastic. element11. Subject: Re:How to remove paint from plastic models? Place the model in a suitable container that will allow you to submerge the model in the liquid. Flick away from you at roughly a 45 degree angle to the model's surface. For this, a plastic putty knife or a razor blade would be suitable. Do NOT get those models NEAR nail-polish remover !! Method Two: Use a paint scraper or a putty knife to remove the existing paint from the plastic item. This time, we’ll lightly touch on the various aspects of finishing a model with paint and decals. Generally about 15 minutes to 30 minutes for recently painted pieces (painted within the last week or 2). Have you ever painted a model and did not like the look of the paint or maybe you have an old model you would like to redo but dont know how to go about it. Vinegar works best on latex paint. Heat distilled white vinegar on high in the microwave for about 60 seconds. Pour a sufficient amount of nail polish remover on the paint. I Would like to remove the old paint and use an air brush this time. The majority of paints designed to be used on plastic models fall in to two categories, Enamels and Acrylics. In some cases, a razor blade can be an appropriate tool for dried and thick acrylic paint. Normally I let them soak overnight, but depending on the type of paint and how long the paint has had to cure, sometimes it only takes an hour or so. Years ago I successfully used spray oven cleaner to remove enamel paint on some kits I wanted to rejuvenate. Like I said it takes time, but I have used this method to take models painted with spray enamels and lacquers back down to the initial plastic … If so, repeat the WD-40 application process on the remaining paint. It depends on what type of paint you used. Tesco trigger spray oven cleaner will usually take off the paint without doing any harm to the plastic, but as you have been told separating the parts from each other may well be very difficult. The majority of paints designed to be used on plastic models fall in to two categories, Enamels and Acrylics. Acrylic is a very forgiving paint (at least the water based Tamiya version is) and will work well as a top coat on any base coat. Scale Auto is the leading authority for car modelers. Although importantly, it seems no stripper is safe with all plastics, so try on a spare piece of plastic from … O' brave new world, We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. I has not harmed the plastic parts of the EFE models - … By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. However, its effectiveness for removing paint from plastic varies depending on several factors, such as how long the paint has set and the type of paint. Wash the surface of your scale model kit section with a damp rag and drop of dish soap. Using Enamel And Acrylic Model Paint Together. Weaver Models' Scalecoat line has a paint remover that I find works well. Tougher and larger stains may require using the steel wool. It attacks the paint, making it soft so you can scrub it off. Be especially careful when using a razor blade; it is recommended to use it only as a last resort or when dealing with thick, dried-up paint. Anyone know a good way to remove enamel paint from a plastic model? For metal, the paint will come right off in globs. Maybe nail polish remover? In the previous article, we discussed seven major steps to building better models. If there are still some paint left in the plastic item, proceed to method number two. Let is soak in a plastic tub a day or so then us an old tooth brush to scrub the surface. Method Two: Use a paint scraper or a putty knife to remove the existing paint from the plastic item. Video tutorial: How to strip paint from scale models - remove enamel or acrylic paint My latest video is up, dealing with how to safely and easily strip paint from scale models. Make SURE you wear gloves and safety glasses. I use it for stripping paint off EFE diecasts - and have also used it for stripping gloss paint from indoor surfaces around the house! Pour a little nail polish remover onto a sponge and squeeze the sponge to let the nail polish remover drip over the model paint. 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. 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. Here are a few tips that will help you. Remove paint from plastic by soaking My favorite method to remove paint from small plastic items is to soak it in a purple cleaner like Super Clean . Removing paint from models. To participate you must either login or register for an account. What can be used to remove enamel besides thinner? Scrape off the paint gently and avoid putting too much pressure on it. (Note, do not try this at home) 1) Spray them with vinegar 2) stand them on a cookie-sheet 3) place in the oven 4) bake until droopy Happened to a kid from the local store. Vinegar can remove dried paint from paintbrushes, according to Reader's Digest. simple green works awesome when it comes to stripping paint too. View our. Place the model in a suitable container that will allow you to submerge the model in the liquid. To remove paint from a contoured plastic surface like a chair, use a razor blade in the manner described above. 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Do NOT get those models NEAR nail-polish remover !! Step-By-Step To Get Paint Off Plastic. Make SURE you wear gloves and safety glasses. Just follow the steps below. In some cases, a razor blade can be an appropriate tool for dried and thick acrylic paint. If there are still some paint left in the plastic item, proceed to method number two. You might want to do this if you buy used painted models and want to paint them yourself. How to Remove Paint from Plastic Using a Nail Polish Remover. You may find this article on removing paint from models useful. That acetone will melt the plastic !! If soft plastic, soaking in paint thinner may make the figures brittle. The baking soda will slowly remove the layer(s) of paint without damaging the details that were cast in the original model. Take Paint Off of Models: This article shows how to take paint off of old models so that you can repaint them. Fresh-Faced New User I stripped my whole marine army with Pine Sol! Finishing, in everything from paint to decals, is what makes that model come alive. Help - Tools/Materials I hope this is the right place to ask a question like this, but I recently used some Testor's enamel paint (the kind in the little square glass bottles) inside some glass syringes to paint some details on a resin model. 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. Allow the remover to work for a few moments and then use the toothbrush to remove the model paint. There are solvents out there that will easily damage or even melt plastic, so make sure to use plastic-safe paint removal products or methods like these.. How does TMP remove enamel from its old models? It depends on what type of paint you used. Pine-Sol strips them all. My wife, mrs madmike has been using Pollyscale Easy Lift Off recently and it stripped the enamels and acrylics off a vinyl figure kit easiliy, leaving the vinyl undamaged.