Best way to remove paint, household items?

[Image]

As per the title, I'm looking to strip a marneus calgar model of the paint that I used on him a couple of years ago, but am unsure what the best way to do so would be. A friend suggested putting him in a cup of coke for a bit, but I wanted to check with the experts at BoLS to see any other ideas. I would prefer something household as that would likely be cheaper than anything I found at the arts supply store nearby.

Thank you so much!

[weeble1000]

I've had mixed results with Simple Green. It definitely works, but to get a shiny, brand new looking model you've got to do it just right. However, there's no denying that it is effective. It won't hurt plastic, so you can use it to strip both plastic and metal models. It's cheap, readily available at the local hardware store, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Plus, it's a great household cleaner too.

I like it 'cause I don't have the be concerned about having volatile chemicals around the house, which is nice since I've got a new baby. A gallon of Simple Green will set you back about 10 bucks at Home Depot. You can even get a nifty little set that includes a spray bottle conveniently marked for measuring various concentrations for household use.

It does take a long time to work well. You should be able to find some blog posts or tutorials on the net that have suggestions for using it to strip models. People on these forums should also be able to offer advice.

[Mycroft Holmes]

Simple Green is great for metal models. It will take off the shiny coating of the model, but it won't affect any of the detail or surface smoothness.

I typically drop the model in a cup of SG before work. When I get home I use a stiff bristled brush and maybe a toothpick for the paint in the cracks. 100% clean model.

Rinse, rinse, let dry, prime again and you're back to a blank canvas again.

Mycroft

[Duncndisorderly]

I find nail varnish remover works really well, just let the mini soak for 10 mins then use a soft bristle brush to clean off the paint, repeat this step a few times if it doesnt come off first time or alternatively soak for longer, make sure the remover is NOT the acetone free type as its the acetone which does the stripping, hope that helps

[Vorlon]

I used to use simple green but Ive had much better results with a product called Purple Power, works faster and doesnt have the fresh pine scent!

[RedScorpionsGirl]

Simple green works well, regardless of the type of model. Generally, when using it, this is how it tends to go:

- Put model in a small, sealable container (preferrably clear) and fill with undiluted simple green.
- Seal container and set aside. Shake container lightly about every 4-5 hours (don't shake it like you're mixing paint, the object is to shake it enough to start loosening the paint/glue up so you don't have to scrub on it as much)
- Change the simple green as needed. You don't always need to scrub on the miniature if you spend some extra time on it.

Other options for a metal model ONLY:

- Acetone
- Gel stripper
- Tuff Strip (available @ Lowes) This one's amazing. You spray it on, it foams up, and in 10 minutes, rinse it off, and repeat on other side or as needed. Eats paint, green stuff, glue, and next to no scrubbing at all needed (eats plastic too!!). Comes in around $6/can.

[chewbaccalee]

Hrmm, first time ive heard simple green used, i'll look into that.

Tell me, if you get simple green on your skin does it cause a chemical burn?

Ive used some strippers before that if you didn't use gloves you were going to regret it.....But the stripper took the paint off in about 15mins with just a light toothbrush scrub

[FastEd]

Hrmm, first time ive heard simple green used, i'll look into that.

Tell me, if you get simple green on your skin does it cause a chemical burn?

Ive used some strippers before that if you didn't use gloves you were going to regret it.....But the stripper took the paint off in about 15mins with just a light toothbrush scrub

Simple green is completely safe on skin, and I've been up to my elbows in it before. A drop or two in the eyes from a splash or something will sting a little but washing them out right when it happens will solve that. Don't drink it, but it probably won't make you keel over for good.

Simple green has pretty much become the hobby standard for stripping in the U.S., since it works well, on plastic or metal (and modeling epoxy like green stuff), non-toxic, bio-degradable, and is available just about anywhere across the country.


Edit: Unless your allergic. Also, your hands may smell like simple green after, just wash up and it will go away as long as your not soaking your parts in it for extended periods.