Hey gang.
I was repainting a diesel loco shell the other day and had a bit of an accident and got overspray on the windshield. Does anyone out there know how I might remove this without damaging the clear plastic ?. It seems like I recall someone once saying that a 50-50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and windex would do the trick, and also spray and wash but I don’t want to try anything until I know for sure.
Thanks in advance.
Tracklayer
When Painting I remove everthing. When wet use thinner. When dry a razor blade which is done by removing the windshield. If your concerned about scratches get a new one.
What’s to see inside. You can use milk jug plastic cut to fit and light it.
Paint thinner will remove normal spray paint. I don’t believe they are alcohol or ammonia based.
Waterless hand cleaner is also an option. Again best when still wet.
Desperate? Wet spray paint on a q tip may soften the dry paint for removal.
The best solvent is in the paint itsef.
It’s an old how do you remove tape residue. Why you stick tape to it and pull!!
If you can’t remove the windshield, try spitting (literally) on a toothpick and rubbing the over spray off with it. It works for removing dulcote from windows.
Don’t use Windex!! It contains amonia which will attack the plastic - not right away, but down the road. Try using one of the cloth buffing pads on a Dremel. My [2c]
What kind of paint is it? Methyl hydrate will remove many paints without harming the plastic. Try a little on a Q-Tip or clean rag.
Wayne
Pull the window and use a polishing kit, like the ones you use for paint. Does the trick every time. Makes the window look great.
Tracklayer,
What type of locomotive? What brand? If you can’t get the paint off; I may have a spare windshield in my train parts bin that I could mail you.
What type of paint?
Some water based paint may be removed with a little soap and water, and a scrub brush. Might have to soak it a bit.
Enamel comes off with Easy Off oven cleaner.
Best thing is not to paint your windows! [;)]
Rotor
Thanks anyway Antonio. It’s an N scale GP-40-2. I’ll try saving the original if possible with some of the ideas offered here. I should have been more careful in the first place.
Tracklayer
Hello Rotor.
The paint is WalMart brand flat black. Easy Off oven cleaner huh?. I never heard that one but am willing to try it if it’ll work…
Tracklayer
Try putting the windows in a ziploc bag, and spray Easy Off liberally on the windows. Seal it up, and come back in about 15-30 minutes. The paint should come off easily with soap and warm water, and an old toothbrush.
Rotor
I just wanted to say thanks to those that helped me with this, and let everyone know that the Easy Off oven cleaner worked like a charm… I used a Q-tip to dip into the cleaner that I sprayed into the cap and applied it to the plastic, let it sit for a few minutes then wiped it off with a damp paper towel and wa la. I wish I’d known that as a kid. It sure would have saved a lot of model plane and car windshields.
Tracklayer
[tup]
Cool! Glad to help!
Rotor