Removing a bad paint job

Discussion in 'The Paintshop' started by Reidy, Oct 22, 2016.

  1. Reidy

    Reidy Full Member

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    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:

    [​IMG]

    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
     
  2. redpiperbob

    redpiperbob Full Member

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    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
     
  3. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    I agree with Bob, Isopropyl Alcohol works for me. :thumbs:

    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 !


     
  4. Reidy

    Reidy Full Member

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    Easy, have some in stock.

    Thanks
     
  5. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    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
     
  6. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    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
     
  7. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    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
     
  8. BigYin65

    BigYin65 Full Member

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    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.
     
  9. Thin Controller

    Thin Controller Full Member

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    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?
     
  10. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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