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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Belgian on 18 June 2010, 12:49:11 PM

Title: How to strip plastics?
Post by: Belgian on 18 June 2010, 12:49:11 PM
Hi, I was wondering if there's any manner of stripping plastic miniatures such as perry french, etc ?

I painted some a while ago but I really don't like them! So I'm desperately searching for a way to strip them? I have been thinking to strip them with a toothbrush, hot water and some detergent (stuff you use to do the dishes?).

Comments and tips are more than welcome.

greets,

Title: Re: How to strip plastics?
Post by: Svennn on 18 June 2010, 12:58:48 PM
Nitromors is a big no-no but you can you use some of the household products.

Try bathing them in Dettol or Fairy Power Spray, it should lift the paint and not harm the plastic.
Title: Re: How to strip plastics?
Post by: Schogun on 18 June 2010, 01:19:58 PM
Simple Green.

(Not sure if this is available in your area or under the same name though.)
Title: Re: How to strip plastics?
Post by: Belgian on 18 June 2010, 04:25:29 PM
Ok, thanks will try some different household products.

greets,
Title: Re: How to strip plastics?
Post by: Daeothar on 18 June 2010, 06:59:15 PM
Easy-off oven cleaner is quite good, or so I hear. It comes in spray cans and is a sort of foam that should cover the minis for a good hour or two before cleaning them.

I have stripped many a mini, both metal and plastic with DOT4 brake fluid. Just let the mini soak in the stuff for 24 hours, then brush off with an old toothbrush under a running tap and presto; all clean.

Take care though; the stuff is sort of toxic (just like the oven cleaner), so I advise against getting it on your hands (I use disposable plastic gloves (not rubber) I bought in a pack of 100 pairs at the local DIY when handling the soaked minis. The rinse under the tap will clean them of any residu, but I always wash with dishwash liquid afterwards to be sure.

I also heard that Dettol, when used too long on a plastic mini, will make the plastic bendy/rubbery, but this is hearsay; haven't used it myself...
Title: Re: How to strip plastics?
Post by: Aaron on 18 June 2010, 07:26:27 PM
If the Easy Off you get in the EU is anything like that sold in the states save it for a last resort and make sure you use it in a WELL-ventilated area. That stuff is deadly. I'd rather get tear-gassed again than have to be near it.

Simple Green works like a charm. The few times I have used it most of the paint just fell off after a good soak.
Title: Re: How to strip plastics?
Post by: Stu on 18 June 2010, 07:43:14 PM
I swear by simple green, just dump them in and half an hour a light scrub takes everything off, leave them in overnight and the paint falls off of its own accord.
Title: Re: How to strip plastics?
Post by: Centaur_Seducer on 18 June 2010, 08:55:49 PM
Break Fluids, that's the best thing around at the moment.
Title: Re: How to strip plastics?
Post by: Daeothar on 19 June 2010, 12:12:03 AM
Ah yeah, I forgot all about Simple Green...

I was in the US last year and bought a bottle, but haven't used it just yet. I heard though that Dreft has pretty much the same stuff over here in the EU ( so not the washing up liquid, but in a spray bottle, like Glass-Ex). I haven't searched for the stuff yet, but I know of a guy who has used it to good effect.
Title: Re: How to strip plastics?
Post by: Onebigriver on 19 June 2010, 01:26:02 AM
I use acetone-free nail polish remover. You get funny looks in the chemist but I've even stripped epic scale plastics with this. Few minutes soak and use an old toothbrush, paint strips right away. I use the brand Cutex for preference, some cheaper brands strip alot quicker so best to do a test strip first.
Title: Re: How to strip plastics?
Post by: Belgian on 19 June 2010, 02:55:53 PM
Thanks a lot!

Greets,