Paint removal

[billpe]

So I'm considering repainting my Tiger II, it was my first big scale tank and since then I've learnt allot so when I look at it I see so much I can improve. However some of the paint and varnish layers are quite thick so really it needs to be stripped first- that an its covered with pigments. I considered buying new plastic parts but I'm buying a Leo2 which will mean I can't afford much else.

So, I've read that Simple Green and some oven cleaners work to take of acrylic, however this tank has primer, then acrylic, enamel filter layer, then a varnish layer, enamel pin wash, varnish, pigments with an acrylic pigment fixer followed by varnish. What will take that all off and not warp the plastic and Atak zimmerit kit? I'd repaint it again as a 505 abt tank given the big old hole in the zimmerit.

I'd prefer to avoid brake fluid as its toxic and I have a dog and will not take any risks with that.

[tomhugill]

If you can bare the loss you could always rip off the zimm and replace with another kit as a last resort. Me muscle oven cleaner apparently works very well.

[jarndice]

When you think of how much you will spend in both time and money, and how much time and money you have already spent, if it were me I would leave it alone and start with another Tank, if nothing else it is going to be a great source of reference, you will look at where you made mistakes and the shortcuts that you missed first time round you can make good, if you take the new Tank apart and wiring comes off you will have no problem knowing how it goes back, consign the Tiger to a place of honour on the shelf. shaun

[billpe]

I used the same argument to convince myself the other way Time isn't the issue, I really enjoy painting - there is something very relaxing about airbrushing. The cost would simply be some more Tamiya acrylics (although I'm very tempted by the MIG ammo late war German colours set) and some time spent cleaning it.

If you can bare the loss you could always rip off the zimm and replace with another kit as a last resort. Me muscle oven cleaner apparently works very well.

The zimmerit, apart from a few areas which need milliput to fill the gaps is Ok apart from the natural sheen, the problems are mostly on the deck and the fact I want to add more layers to something which has to many layers as it stands. I've also read about Mr Muscle working, just wondered if anyone has tried it with the same combination I have of paints.

[ALPHA]

My question would be.... Why strip it at all... airbrush provides a very thin layer of paint... the colors you have presently won't hurt an over coat in the way of bleed ...Personally my route would be to consider your present paint as a primer coat...and just paint right over it


ALPHA

[billpe]

The pigment sadly need to come off, painting over them would compound the problem.

[Phil]

I think it looks good, I personally would move onto your next project and put it down to experience. I still have a few old tanks and they are a record of my improvements over the years.

Good luck

[billpe]

So on the train this morning I considered an alternative - to sell it and use the proceeds to buy a new KT. This would mean my Leopard plan isn't scuppered and some one else would get a fairly well done, fully working and reliable KT. Its just that when I look at it, I know I can do better but would make someone else probably quite happy.

[Mav87th]

Hi billpe

Try painting another plastic part with the same paint/varnish or what ever you painted the tank.

Let it dry for a week.

Smear it in brown soap and pack it into an air-tight plastic bag and leave it for 24 hours. Now see if you can wash it off with a sponge and hot water.

I have done that with painted staircases, painted furniture (both metal and wood) but never a plastic model. But i thought i was worth a try.

[Tankie]

Ive successfully used a product called modelstrip on a couple of tanks with great success. It takes all paint types except cellulose and the old tamiya spray can paint off, and is non toxic. You spread it on, wrap in clingfilm or put in freezer bag for a few hours, scrub lightly then wash away. One tub is more than enough for a kt.