Stripping paint

[Steveo535]

Hi All

I know this has been covered before as i have done a quick search but struggling to find the answer to my question.

I have bought a kit cheap which has been started the majority of the kit is still on the spurs with only the body being partly assembled and painted. My question is in two parts the first is what its the best method to remove the paint (what product). The paint looks like tamiya's TS paint and the only thing that seems to shift it is mr hobby thinner but really have to rub to get any off.

The second part to my question is will what ever I use de-bond the glue as well?

Cheers Steven

[Kevthemodeller]

Ok. without you knowing what paint it actually is you're going to have to do some trial an error. You say you've tried Mr Hobby thinner, but which one they make 3 that are in popular use, what's on the bottle?

If you've got the correct thinner you shouldn't have to rub the hell out of it, it should easily soften the paint within a few seconds That said could take longer depending on how long it's been there. I would got for Isopropanol or X20a and then cellulose thinner, if you don't use too much or soak it in thinner the glue should be fine.

Failing that, nail polish remover or paint stripper just be careful with the latter. Whatever you use be sure to give it a good rinse in water after you've removed all the paint.

[aur0ra145]

Sounds like you have some experiments to conduct! I'd start with the most potent Isopopal Alcohol you can get. Failing that, move on to something like White spirit (UK)/mineral spirits (US, Canada)/ mineral turpentine (AU/NZ). See how that one does. Lastly, is Lacquer/Enamel thinner.

Have you tried sanding at all to see if the paint is really gummy or comes off like sanding normal?

Report back with what works, I'm interested to see what ends up working.

As an aside, can you just prime over whatever is there and then paint it up? If you haven't assembled yet, and the fit works, it might just be easier to prime what you got, sand, prime the sanded parts and paint.

[digger303]

windex or a oven cleaner

[Paul]

Mr hobby levelling thinner and a toothbrush then blast of the rest with the same thinner in you airbrush. Don’t use lacquer/cellulose thinner as it’ll melt your kit

[digger303]

Vantage Modeling solutions have a safe product called clean slate and comes in a 200ml bottle only for acrylics though
https://www.vms-supplies.com/pro-technicals-picker

[MrBowcat]

I've recently had to do this with a 1/32 Spitfire that was gifted to me. I used IPA for the majority of it, there was some stubborn parts that required cellulose, but be VERY careful as this can bite into the plastic.The tiniest amount on a cotton bud just to get it bubbling, then back in with IPA to finish off.

I might add it took me several hours and over 300 cotton buds, not something I look forward to doing again.

[Steveo535]

Thanks for the replies.

Had a quick go last night with cellulose thinners used a very small amount on a cotton bud and that took it off. Think it must have some sort of clear coat on it as it still took some shifting.

Will give Mr Hobby levelling thinners a go tonight as I’ve got some.

Next step will be oven cleaner.

Thanks again for the replies.