How to remove old paint?

Tanker Mike · Post by **Tanker Mike** » Sat Jul 25, 2015 7:59 am

Hello,

I am looking to repaint some of my Jagdpanthers with a more acccurate camo paint scheme. So, I want to remove the old paint. Any ideas or tech tips on how best to do this?

Thanks,
Mike

Extra Crispy · Post by **Extra Crispy** » Sat Jul 25, 2015 8:08 am

I have used Pine Sol (let sit for 48 hours), oven cleaner (let sit overnight) and Simple Green (cleaning product, let sit overnight) all with about equal success.

Extra Crispy · Post by **Extra Crispy** » Sat Jul 25, 2015 8:09 am

I have used Pine Sol (let sit for 48 hours), oven cleaner (let sit overnight) and Simple Green (cleaning product, let sit overnight) all with about equal success.

Extra Crispy · Post by **Extra Crispy** » Sat Jul 25, 2015 8:10 am

I have used Pine Sol (let sit for 48 hours), oven cleaner (let sit overnight) and Simple Green (cleaning product, let sit overnight) all with about equal success.

microgeorge · Post by **microgeorge** » Sat Jul 25, 2015 8:31 am

I've been stripping paint off of microamor for a while now. I initially use Simple Green, letting the figures soak submerged in it for at least 24 hours before removing the paint with a Crest, Colgate, or other brand spin brush. These battery operated brushes can be purchased for $10.00 or less and they really mitigate the elbow grease factor. Really stubborn patches of paint in recesses can be dug out using round wooden toothpicks. If the old paint has been applied a bit too zealously, it might take several rounds to remove the paint. Lastly, I clean the stripped miniatures using denatured alcohol and the spin brush to clean off the Simple Green and any remaining superglue if present.

chrisswim · Post by **chrisswim** » Sat Jul 25, 2015 9:10 am

I use simple green on plastic, some metal. If it is metal figure and need more paint removed I use a carburetor cleaner. Pick up at auto supply with a basket in the can. soak overnight. Pull out clean off. I would suggest to start with Simple Green. Less toxic or corrosive. Good luck. Do not use carburetor cleaner on any plastics, etc. Just metal. Oh yeah, you can soak your carburetor in there too is what I've been told.

pibber · Post by **pibber** » Mon Jul 27, 2015 10:26 am

I used acetone bath too. (during ten minutes approximately)
Then, brushing the model with a very hard toothbrush.
Acetone bath few minutes again if necessary and brushing again.
Very effective ! (wear gloves and goggles of protection against any splashes in the eyes)

6mmwargaming · Post by **6mmwargaming** » Thu Jul 30, 2015 2:24 pm

I use laundry detergent (powdered) and it works well and they smell nice afterwards!

av8rmongo · Post by **av8rmongo** » Thu Jul 30, 2015 5:01 pm

6mmwargaming wrote:I use laundry detergent (powdered) and it works well and they smell nice afterwards!

Really? I hadn't heard of that technique. Does it work on all paint types? How long do you soak it?

Hoth_902 · Post by **Hoth_902** » Thu Jul 30, 2015 8:09 pm

I think it would be very helpful if the type of paint and even the method of how the paint was originally applied was included along with the paint stripping medium.

I have found that simply green works well for enamels applied with spray cans and airbrushes. Basically thin layered paint. However, simply green seems to fall a little short when thick hand painted pieces are stripped. The thicker paint is hard to get out of the details. I primarily use Enamels. I think I am going to try and use the acetone method on the pieces that the paint did not fully come out of the details. Also, if left too long, I have noticed a charcoal tint coming over the metal.

stenna00 · Post by **stenna00** » Fri Aug 07, 2015 4:26 am

I only use cellulose thinners. Soak for 30 mins then use a brush to get the paint off. You many need a second application for paint in crevices etc. Watch the fumes though as they can be quite strong. Works well on acrylics and varnish.