Paint Stripper

[Disciple of Nagash]

Well I've just got some models off ebay that need stripping, I used some stuff years ago that wasn't too bad but before I go out and buy it again I thought I'd ask for advice.

So based in the UK whats the best recommendations for stripping paint off metal models and where can I buy it?

 

[Bug16]

To strip acrylic paint I use false nail remover bought from Supadrug because they usually have special offers on it so I can buy quite a lot for £5.

Pour it into an old glass, then bung the figures in that require stripping. Wait about 5 minutes and you'll see the paint start to bubble and peel off. Take the figure out and use either an old toothbrush or a nailbrush to vigorously brush the figure.

Some figures require more time in the solution so use an old jam jar, put the false nail remover in there, put your figures in then put the lid on and leave it overnight. Remove them the next day and give them a good scrub.

Note that this method only works on metal models because false nail remover will melt the detail off plastic figures in seconds!

Some people here will no doubt recommend brake fluid. I've not tried as it's difficult to dispose of. It's illegal, for good reason, to pour this down your drain.

 

[darkmark]

I use paint brush cleaner: its good for plastics and metals. I leave it soak for an hour then toothbrush off the paint. Use a file for deep recesses! Do a tester with ant plastic models just in case! You should be able to pick a bottle of the stuff in b&q, diy, tesco or asda etc for a couple of quid. Sorry I can't give a name, but these things are well generic anyway. It lasts ages if you keep it in a jam jar with a lid on too. If theres tons of varnish on the figures it will take at least two or three goes and be a royal pain so be warned =(

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Thanks for the suggestions, a lot cheaper than the expensive stuff I previously used and sounds easier as well.

 

[fairyfish]

Break fluid.

This stuff will burn through paint and leaves plastic completely untouched.

Like with the other products, leave it to soak for a while then rub it off with a toothbrush

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Break fluid.

This stuff will burn through paint and leaves plastic completely untouched.

Like with the other products, leave it to soak for a while then rub it off with a toothbrush

Sounds good as I want to be able to repaint plastic if I mess them up but how do you dispose of it?

 

[darkmark]

Don't forget your marigolds: you want skin left after you're finished!

 

[fairyfish]

Sounds good as I want to be able to repaint plastic if I mess them up but how do you dispose of it?

Good question...To be honest I don't know. I never did really, just kept the stuff in a large lidded glass jar to reuse at a later time. As long as you can sieve out the flecks of paint somehow then there isn't any real need to dispose of it after every use.

As a guess I would imagine the correct way would be to pour it into a plastic bottle and throw it out with the rest of the rubbish.

Something else worth noting if using break fluid. I used mine on very old genestealers that came from a space hulk box game I bought in 1996. GW has changed the composition of their plastics many times since then so might be worth testing it first just in case the new plastics react badly. For the purposes of the original post this wont be an issue with metal figures though.

EDIT: Yes gloves will be necessary! Thanks for mentioning that mark!

 

[Kaptain Von]

Beware of the thick gloopy stuff. Don't buy thick gloopy stuff. White spirit will do the job just fine and is comparatively safe to dispose of afterwards.