Paint removal from plastic models

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jlspec
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Paint removal from plastic models

Post by jlspec » Mon Dec 17, 2012 11:37 am

Is there a way to remove paint and/or glue from old plastic models. I friend gave me a box of plastic models that are in a sad state but there is some potential if i can clean up some of the paint jobs without damaging the plastic
thanks
Last edited by jlspec on Mon Dec 17, 2012 4:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.

The_Helicopter_Pilot
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Re: Paint removal from palstuic models

Post by The_Helicopter_Pilot » Mon Dec 17, 2012 12:02 pm

You could use a fine sandpaper, that's what I would do, you might be able to use a type of chemical but I don't know what kind for sure, don't want to use just any though if you don't want to melt the plastic.
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grockwood
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Re: Paint removal from plastic models

Post by grockwood » Mon Dec 17, 2012 5:02 pm

Here is a link to webpage on the subject.

http://www.gremlins.com/kitbuilders/strip.html

1958Zelda
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Re: Paint removal from plastic models

Post by 1958Zelda » Mon Dec 17, 2012 8:31 pm

WHAT EVER YOU DO,DON"T USE SANDPAPER

[CAT]CplSlade
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Re: Paint removal from plastic models

Post by [CAT]CplSlade » Mon Dec 17, 2012 9:07 pm

^^^ Exactly, unless you want to spend a ton of time getting back that original smooth finish. A new coat of paint won't hide the result of the sanding.

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Re: Paint removal from plastic models

Post by The_Helicopter_Pilot » Tue Dec 18, 2012 12:43 am

Or not. Haha
It was an idea, I've done it before in the past, never had a problem.
A helicopter does not want to fly, it just vibrates so much that the ground rejects it

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Re: Paint removal from plastic models

Post by Grognard » Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:03 am

I can't remember the name of the product, but it's a purple engine cleaner degreaser you can get at Walmart. I submerge the old kits in it for a couple of days, and them scrub them clean. It works fairly well, though some of the tougher paint still stick in the cracks and fine details.

Break fluid is ok.

there are other methods, like paint strippers, or oven cleaner, but I haven't tried the more caustic ones.

jlspec
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Re: Paint removal from plastic models

Post by jlspec » Tue Dec 18, 2012 11:31 am

Thanks for the feedback (there are some spots I may have to resort to sandpaper to remove some glue). I have used the purple degreaser to remove chrome palting from plastic but not paint, yet

[CAT]CplSlade
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Re: Paint removal from plastic models

Post by [CAT]CplSlade » Tue Dec 18, 2012 12:07 pm

Grognard wrote:I can't remember the name of the product, but it's a purple engine cleaner degreaser you can get at Walmart.

Is it Castrol degreaser? It's a purple fluid.
Last edited by [CAT]CplSlade on Tue Dec 18, 2012 6:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.

flyboy_fx
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Re: Paint removal from plastic models

Post by flyboy_fx » Tue Dec 18, 2012 3:16 pm

If the paint is smooth, fine sandpaper can work. Watch out though, it is usually never a problem for large models, but smaller ones... sand paper eats details! If you try to strip the paint and sand... that is not good! For a small model, I would find out what thinner works and go crazy with paper towels!
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1958Zelda
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Re: Paint removal from plastic models

Post by 1958Zelda » Tue Dec 18, 2012 8:51 pm

unless these are rare models why waste the time and money,you can buy (mr.hobby paint remover)on ebay, good luck though if they have lots of messy glue spots,glue melts the surface,then your talking surfacer,then repaint and hope they look ok,lots of work

jlspec
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Re: Paint removal from plastic models

Post by jlspec » Thu Dec 20, 2012 9:01 am

[CAT]CplSlade wrote:
Grognard wrote:I can't remember the name of the product, but it's a purple engine cleaner degreaser you can get at Walmart.

Is it Castrol degreaser? It's a purple fluid.
I checked and Castrol is the name brand but I have an off brand that I tried on some small pieces. Most of the paint was removed after an hour of soaking. One stabilizer has been soaking 2 days and there is still some paint on it. Not sure if it was the type of paint or just a heavy application.
None of the models are that valuable. Mostly older Revell 1/32. I am doing it as a hobby and enjoy the challenge of trying to salvage something plus my wife is happy because I am busy without spending much money.

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