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Paint stripper for models

Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 1:07 pm
by Scarecrow
Hi guys

Rocketman here. For some reason my old log in doesn't work.

Anyway I need to strip an entire 1/16 tank. Any suggestions. The one I've tried just reduces bits to a cleggy mess(and yes it is a plastic model stripper)

Does anyone have any experience in the UK with using brake fluid as a stripper? If so can you recommend a brand and type?

Re: Paint stripper for models

Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 1:14 pm
by forgebear
try mr muscle spray oven cleaner take your tank to bits and place in a poly bag spray oven cleaner in leave it 24hrs wash off and use a toothbrush to clean repeat process :thumbup:

Re: Paint stripper for models

Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 2:00 pm
by Jimster
Here’s my 2 cents worth. I’m not in the UK but I’ve used common brake fluid to strip model railroad plastic locomotive shells and rolling stock for 35 years. I simply apply with an old toothbrush and check it every 15-30 minutes until the paint scrubs off easily. The time varies so be cautious. I’ve never melted the plastic with it so far. Be sure to test an inconspicuous area first just in case and wear vinyl gloves.

Re: Paint stripper for models

Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 3:18 pm
by Jofaur86
Hello :D
Personal use,break fluid,but a little greasy or so this ( picture ) wich is top,because for me decape
Oven since deleted some toxics products in the formula ?is not as effective for Use Européens ??for the " Glanzer ",small pieces to soak,large pieces wiith brush :thumbup:
Apply same os abowe,rinse with wather and détergent ;)
IMG_5381.JPG
IMG_5381.JPG (48.79 KiB) Viewed 2052 times
Price Hyper market 3/6 €

Re: Paint stripper for models

Posted: Sun Jul 21, 2019 11:49 pm
by paulc
I myself brought a second hand Tamiya king tiger and although the build was good and had a couple of after market bits fitted the paint job was horrid. I used Mr muscle oven cleaner sprayed over and left in a bag for a couple of mins then scrubbed at it with an old toothbrush. this removed the paint I had to hit a couple of spots a few times but did the trick. the only thing I found was the paint had stained the plastic, but a coat of primer and your well away. I don't know if this is due to the type of paint as I don't know if it was painted using acrylics or enamels, But it worked for me. just remember to really rinse of afterwards.

Re: Paint stripper for models

Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2019 4:30 am
by capt midnight
I've used the Easy-Off method for years, never harmed any plastic or vinyl kits I used it on. The regular stinky, eat your skin stuff seems to work best, and it seems to work better on flat paints than gloss.

Bill

Re: Paint stripper for models

Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2019 5:41 pm
by General Jumbo01
I've seen most of the above used successfully but, just out of interest, has anyone ever asked the major paint manufacturers? I'd have thought acrylics would need something different from enamel, polycarbonate etc. I wish you luck!

Re: Paint stripper for models

Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2019 8:39 pm
by Max-U52
I once contacted testors about removing flat enamel from the rattle can, and they recommended Easy-Off oven cleaner.

Re: Paint stripper for models

Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2019 9:38 pm
by Jimster
I’m going to use Easy Off next time just to try it out.

Re: Paint stripper for models

Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2019 9:51 pm
by Max-U52
I was stripping the paint from a 1/48 scale c-47 airplane, and they told me to spray on a good coat of Easy-Off, let it sit for about 45 minutes, and then run it under cold water and scrub with a toothbrush. Repeat as necessary. That worked great, and that's been my paint stripping method ever since.