Removing enamal paint

[sobrien]

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

[pepperman42]

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

[Des]

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/

[sobrien]

Thank you Des and Steve for your help.

Sean

[ETG]

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.

[lcarroll]

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

[GAJouette]

  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

[uncletony]

  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

[WarrenD]

I have seen Bleche White recommended in the past for removing mold release from resin parts.

Warren

[ALBATROS1234]

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