Want to remove printed on name on factory locomotive. I believe it is painted on and not a decal. My question is, what can I use to remove the print and still not hurt the plastic?
Dixie Hobo
lots of suggestions - i have tried most but it depends on manufacturer
.http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/read.php?f=1&i=169273&t=169273
this is a possible list but like all things everyone has favourites
This is a Bachmann, Climax and at the time I purchased it I could not get an un-dec one so I ended up with a “Michigan California Lumber Company” Loco. That is a lot of print to remove from the side of the cab.
Dixie Hobo
Often times these are decals, they are easier for the manufacturer to mass produce, and easier for them to get guaranteed results. If it is a decal, use a hair dryer, or a heat gun with a very mild setting. Work your way from the the bottom up, warm the full width of the decal, and gently peel it back, be patient, you can rip the decal to pieces if you try to go too fast. Keep working the dryer back and forth across the decal. The heat softens the adhesive of the decal, and can even help older decals that have become brittle with age to become plyable again. If it is screen printed on the side, then you might try a 600grit sandpaper or it’s equivelent in Scotchbrite. Go carefully, rinse the car often to keep track of your results. You can try solvents, but with bodies made of styrene, it can easily lead to disaster. You may find that sanding it smooth, and then repainting will give you the fastest reslults. Good luck whichever way you go.
I just stripped a Bachmann critter with excellent results using brake fluid. You need to use DOT 3 as that is supposed to be plastic safe. I used NAPA’s DOT 3 with no softenning of the plastic. I will be using it on my On30 Shay and Climax next.
Bee
This is what I use when kitbashing with paint and lettering…enjoy. Oh yeah, takes off chrome too.
http://www.chameleonproductsonline.com/
William