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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Argonor on December 12, 2008, 11:53:17 AM

Title: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Argonor on December 12, 2008, 11:53:17 AM
Hi

Is there any way to dissolve the superglue used to glue a mini to a washer, without stripping the paint off the mini? The washer has the hole to perhaps go that way?

I have bought 5 victorian brits in home service uniform that I would like to rebase on smaller bases - they are standing with weapon shouldered, and I would like them be able to stand slightly closer... (I also would like to expand the group - I must find out where to get them...  ;D  )
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Lowtardog on December 12, 2008, 11:58:52 AM
The best way to get them off the base is to get 2 pairs of pliers (points ones) and grip either side of the washer and bend Charles Atlas style.

What is surprising is that in most if not all the slightest bend in the coin/washer and the figure pops off the base. 

I would however recommend that you do this over a cushion so that it doesnt ping onto the florr and damage the mini. 

I have done this with lots of mine when chengeing from single to multi basing...your hands do suffer a bit with the force you have to put on it though
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: keeper on December 12, 2008, 12:00:45 PM
I've never tried disolving superglue, but I have found a strong, thick blade with a nice (but not too thin) edge can get in between where most things have been glued down with superglue and pop them off.

I prefer what I think is the curved #2 blade for this task (not sure, I get confused easily!) but it is the 6th from the left in this picture:

(http://www.xacto.com/images/large/x5282.jpg)
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Argonor on December 12, 2008, 12:04:31 PM
Quote from: Lowtardog on December 12, 2008, 11:58:52 AM
I would however recommend that you do this over a cushion so that it doesnt ping onto the florr and damage the mini. 

 lol

I hadn't thought of bending the washer - it's actually what i do when rebasing from slottas to washers (yeah, yeah, I said I wouldn't start doing that, but... )

The blade thing might work, too. I'd recommend using protective goggles, though, as the blase just might break.....
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: JollyBob on December 12, 2008, 12:17:14 PM
You can also get Superglue de-bonder. Our local Poundland sells packs of glue with it included. I thought maybe if you could apply it sparingly before popping the mini off with a blade, it might make things easier.

Mind you, I don't know if it works once the glue's been dry for a while. Maybe it only works on skin.  ???
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Lowtardog on December 12, 2008, 12:17:20 PM
Quote from: Argonor on December 12, 2008, 12:04:31 PM
Quote from: Lowtardog on December 12, 2008, 11:58:52 AM
I would however recommend that you do this over a cushion so that it doesnt ping onto the florr and damage the mini. 

 lol

I hadn't thought of bending the washer - it's actually what i do when rebasing from slottas to washers (yeah, yeah, I said I wouldn't start doing that, but... )

The blade thing might work, too. I'd recommend using protective goggles, though, as the blase just might break.....


I have used knives in the past and as you said the blade shoots off and can get lost on the floor - I now do that outside so it doesnt get stuck where kiddies can be hurt.

I also have a few war wounds from blades slipping ;D
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: keeper on December 12, 2008, 01:03:27 PM
I can't say I've ever had the blade come out of the knife handle when I'm doing this, and I must have done it hundreds of times.  I've had cheap, thin blades break, which is why I tend to use thicker blades now.

However, all safety advice regarding knives is good advice! But my sister does occasionally run with sissors, just because now she's a grown up, she can! ;)
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: aircav on December 15, 2008, 09:49:55 AM
I know that Coke is supposed to work, although i have never tried it as i have debonder.
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Argonor on December 15, 2008, 09:53:24 AM
Quote from: aircav on December 15, 2008, 09:49:55 AM
I know that Coke is supposed to work, although i have never tried it as i have debonder.

Wouldn't surprise me....  lol
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Faust23 on December 20, 2008, 07:31:04 AM
Acetone. Made to break the superglue bond. If you have a female human in your life, she probably has some fingernail polish remover.  That contains acetone.  Or you could use an x-acto knife and have a go.  Don't lose a finger...
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Argonor on December 20, 2008, 10:35:29 AM
Quote from: Angry Angel on December 20, 2008, 07:31:04 AM
Acetone. Made to break the superglue bond. If you have a female human in your life, she probably has some fingernail polish remover.  That contains acetone.  Or you could use an x-acto knife and have a go.  Don't lose a finger...

I'm just a little nervous about letting acetone anywhere near a painted mini that I don't want to strip entirely  ;)
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: sgf on December 20, 2008, 04:25:58 PM
Remember that Alpha cyanocrylick(super glue) glue is a crystaline glue, actually forms tiny crystals as it dries which form the bond, as with any crystal the "pull apart" strength is tremendous however it is subject to fracture. That being sid a sharp rap will shatter the bond with an exacto blade.  Acetone(fingernail polish remover) is a good debonder. Regards, Steve
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Argonor on January 01, 2009, 01:10:29 PM
Quote from: Argonor on December 15, 2008, 09:53:24 AM
Quote from: aircav on December 15, 2008, 09:49:55 AM
I know that Coke is supposed to work, although i have never tried it as i have debonder.

Wouldn't surprise me....  lol

Right now I'm trying to clean a meat-pin (that I use for cleaning the nozzle of my superglue) in a coke-bath.

Let's see how that turns out  :)
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Argonor on January 15, 2009, 02:22:15 PM
well, coke did not do the job - acetone however, turns the glue into a fine powder settling on the bottom of the container.

So much for cleaning the nozzle-cleaner - I'm still a little reluctant to use acetone to remove a painted mini from its base...
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Lowtardog on January 15, 2009, 02:49:07 PM
Quote from: Argonor on January 15, 2009, 02:22:15 PM
well, coke did not do the job - acetone however, turns the glue into a fine powder settling on the bottom of the container.

So much for cleaning the nozzle-cleaner - I'm still a little reluctant to use acetone to remove a painted mini from its base...
perhaps a low odour artists thinner though expensive if you dont have so and it doesnt work.

The acetone will damage the mini as it evaporates so be careful
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Remington on January 15, 2009, 02:53:42 PM
I would also use acetone. I'd take some q-tips and start working on it slowly from the sides and from inside the hole of the washer under the figure. Then I would take a thin, stable blade and use it as a level. Very slowly tho, so that the blade doesn't brake. Don't try pulling the figure. All I had ever managed with this was to bend the figure at the ankles and break the paint.

Evaporating acetone should not be that harmful if the mini is varnished. I've never had problem with this.

I hope a disclaimer in Orctrader style is not necessary. You do what you do at your own risk.  ;D

EDIT: I would use something to pad the area I am working at. Sometimes while using the blade as a lever, the figure tends to "fly" off the washer and land on the hard table... chipped paint is evil!
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Argonor on January 15, 2009, 04:25:23 PM
I think I'll try the 'twisting the washer' approach, first, then the knife if that doesn't do the trick...

Two pairs of plyers should be good for twisting...
Title: Re: Dissolving superglue?
Post by: Remington on January 16, 2009, 01:17:46 PM
Whatever you do... good luck! Let us know if it worked.