I was lucky to get a small collection of old model trains off a neighbour quite a while ago. Amongst it was a Lima 4 car DF passenger car set (used on the Indian Pacific). One of these cars is not like the others: Has anyone had any luck removing a crappy paint job? I tried a little windex and it moved a bit of the blue- I can see the silver underneath. I think it's acrylic. Thanks, Reidy
Hi Reidy I removed some bad painting from some carraiges with ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL it takes a while but it does work. Be seeing you Bob
I agree with Bob, Isopropyl Alcohol works for me. You can purchase IPA from Jaycar or Bunnings (Jaycar is cheaper). Spray the model with IPA and allow to soak in for a few seconds before lightly scrubbing with a tooth brush. You will have to reapply the IPA and scrub until all paint is gone. Scrub the model under running water. I have done a few parcel vans this way and I have managed to remove all the paint in about 30 minutes. Detol is another method a few modellers use. Fill a jar with Detol and soak the model overnight before lighhtly scrubbing with a toothbrush. You may have to re-soak the model again overnight to get the desired results. Do not use anything like thinners, methylated spirits, turps as these will affect the plastic. Cheers, Gary. ps. I spy with my little eye, something that is Blue and British !
I Know Paul uses Dettol to strip off paint to good effect. Just submerses the whole body in it, gives it 24 hours to take then takes a brush to it. another avenue possibly. cheers toto
I use Dettol - the old brown type Steep the body in the stuff for 24 hours, give a scrub with an old tooth brush, and if required soak again. here's an example http://p1mrc.com/p1mrc/view_topic.php?id=435&forum_id=13&page=3 Paul
Enamel paints may be a bit harder, I have used Caustic soda in the past, and there are the paste type removers e.g. https://www.emodels.co.uk/modelstrip-plastic-model-paint-stripper-modstr01.html Paul
I have used Deluxe Materials Strip Magic, put it on and wipe off with mehtylated spirits...fairly quick working and shifts heavy paint but dont leave it on too long or it will damage the plastic as i found out on my first attempt.
On a side note, I have a decal I want to remove from a loco. Do I just use IPA on a cotton tip or will that damage the paint beneath/ around the decal as well?
This is one easy way to remove decals... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMlihuZp1yw and another method... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gf7xqIHGMQ Cheers, Gary.