forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Hints and Tips/Questions about modeling => Topic started by: sobrien on November 16, 2012, 03:40:24 AM

Title: Removing enamal paint
Post by: sobrien on November 16, 2012, 03:40:24 AM
First let me say that I am a brush painter. I started on my WNW SE5a and am not happy with the paint I was using for CDL. It did not cover thinly enough and is not setting well. Luckily I was only painting the inside of the fuselage. What is the best way to remove the paint without damaging the plastic?

Thanks for any help,

Sean
Title: Re: Removing enamal paint
Post by: pepperman42 on November 16, 2012, 04:18:10 AM
Hmmm....enamel does etch into the plastic a bit so Im thinking letting it cure then sanding lightly. Oven cleaner I think was another option but Im going to let someone else confirm that.

Steve
Title: Re: Removing enamal paint
Post by: Des on November 16, 2012, 05:35:37 AM
Have a look at the link below Sean, it may give you some good ideas, read the entire link as there are quite a few different techniques mentioned.

Des.

http://www.therpf.com/f11/how-remove-enamel-paints-plastic-kits-149695/
Title: Re: Removing enamal paint
Post by: sobrien on November 16, 2012, 06:16:20 AM
Thank you Des and Steve for your help.

Sean
Title: Re: Removing enamal paint
Post by: ETG on December 20, 2012, 05:23:53 AM
What's easier than oven cleaner? Never fails.
Just remember it's dangerous stuff. Wear long rubber gloves and a mask. You do NOT want to inhale this stuff..!!
Take a strong, leak proof plastic bag, insert a good squirt of oven cleaner, put the model in the bag, and cover the model
in OC. Leave overnight.
(Edit: while the model soaks, keep the bag closed with a rubber band or clothes pin)
Put your gloves back on and take the model out. Rince, while rubbing with a large brush. You'll see the paint just flow
away while the plastic is totally unharmed.
(Here we see the disadvantage of acryllics....When dry, it is a sort of plastic, too. So, what do you use to remove it from
a plastic model? Pure alcohol works best, but veeeery slowly. Endless rubbing with a firm brush, dissolving the paint.)

____________
Erik.
Title: Re: Removing enamal paint
Post by: lcarroll on December 20, 2012, 07:09:59 AM
Sean,

I've used regular window cleaner (with amonia) on both acrylics and enamels with good success. I use "Windex" and it's very quick on acrylics, enamels take two or three treatments. Just soak the parts in a bowl or dish, give it a few hours, and scrub with an old toothbrush to remove the paint. Any stubborn paint remaining, repeat the process. I've never had any damage issues, hope this helps.
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Removing enamal paint
Post by: GAJouette on December 20, 2012, 12:30:05 PM
  Sean,
To the suggestions and tips from above I'd add the spray on type whitewall cleaner. I can't remember the brand I here but it's available at any Auto Zone or Walmart.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette
Title: Re: Removing enamal paint
Post by: uncletony on December 27, 2012, 10:46:05 PM
  Sean,
To the suggestions and tips from above I'd add the spray on type whitewall cleaner. I can't remember the brand I here but it's available at any Auto Zone or Walmart.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

I suppose you mean Westley's Bleche Wite -- never tried it for this purpose, only used it for what it was intended, but I believe it; it is rather nasty stuff. They warn you to keep it off the car's paint, so that should tell you something :)
Title: Re: Removing enamal paint
Post by: WarrenD on December 28, 2012, 09:48:58 AM
I have seen Bleche White recommended in the past for removing mold release from resin parts.

Warren
Title: Re: Removing enamal paint
Post by: ALBATROS1234 on January 08, 2013, 03:39:32 PM
if you can get it try "scalecote" its a paint remover designed for plastic models. it works great. i also use it as brush cleaner. but you can also try the main ingredient in scalecote which is very cheap. goto the drugstore and get some 91% isopropyl alcohol. it works and its $1.99 for a pint.the cleaner "simple green" works but not as well. i use a stiff paintbrush with all of the above to get the paint off quicker and out of the creavaces