Paint removal from plastic models

[jlspec]

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

[The_Helicopter_Pilot]

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.

[grockwood]

Here is a link to webpage on the subject.

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

[1958Zelda]

WHAT EVER YOU DO,DON"T USE SANDPAPER

[[CAT]CplSlade]

^^^ 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.

[The_Helicopter_Pilot]

Or not. Haha
It was an idea, I've done it before in the past, never had a problem.

[Grognard]

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]

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]

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.

[flyboy_fx]

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!

[1958Zelda]

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]

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.