Model paint stripping -options?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have a few of questions on stripping paint from models.

First, what is the safest option for removing paint from the Atlas Kato shells?

Second, I recall seeing a report somewhre about using Mr Clean for stripping paint - has anyone tried this, with what results or other comments please.

Third, any other options - I know about brake fluid but have never tried it as I am concerned about damage to the shell , etc

thanks , jake

2

I think brake fluid is the preferred method for plastic shells… if they were metal, I think it’s lacquer thinner/mineral spirits…

3

I use hardware store alcohol (sold in the paint thinner section) to strip paint off plastic models.

4

DO NOT USE BRAKE FLUID ON KATO OR ATLAS/KATO SHELLS! They are made of ABS plastic rather than styrene. Brake fluid will crack and even disintegrate ABS plastic. You can try 91% Isopropl Alcohol, but Kato paint is tough and you may only remove the lettering. I use Scalecoat paint stripper, not cheap, but it works well without damaging the Kato shells. Polyscale Easy Lift Off (ELO) will also work, but the shells can stil crack if you let the shell soak too long. The trick with ELO, is to let the shell soak for 5 minutes and then scrub with a tooth brush, repeat until all the paint is off, (usually 3 times) and then soak the shell in water for 15-30 minutes to neutralize the stripper, then wash with detergent and water. If it does crack, which it shouldn’t if you follow the above procedure, it’s easy to fix by flowing on some Tenax or Proweld from the inside, the crack shouldn’t be visible once painted. The best way to strip paint from Kato shells is to use an air-erasor.

5

Not quite. the common rule of thumb I see is ignore brake fluid as an alternative unless you are darned sure you know what you are doing.

My preferred method, and this only works for acrylic paints and anything factory-applied, is 97% Isoprpyl alcohol, obtainable at Wallyworld, your pharmacy, and others. Puour some into a rubbermaid tub/clear thingy, enopugh to soak the shell, seal the tub with the shell in it, go to work/school, and when you come back scrub the shell with aa toothbrush (get one of the ones from your dentist). Wash with soap and water, let dry, and paint.

6

I stand corrected.

Good to know [:)].