Paint

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am knowledgeable about certain things,
BUT,anybody got sugestions about removing lettering (paint)
from a car without removing the ENTIRE paint job[?]
(silk screened painting)

I know removing paint HAS been a topic here,but thought I would ask.

2

I have a friend who does outstanding paint and detail work on HO units. He used “Solvaset” to successfully remove lettering off of a new Proto 2000 locomotive. Excellent results.

He used “Bamboo Skewers”, available in supermarkets, to remove the letters after applying the Solvaset. He suggested that I not use “Micro-Sol” as it is not as effective.

Hope this helps.

3

I tend to go for abbrasives rather than chemicals. I tried Solvaset and it didn’t work on printed lettering for me, maybe I’m not patient enough.

I usually VERY carefully remove unwanted lettering with a stiff fiberglass pencil, it does usually mean having to touch up the paint underneath, but chances are you are going to put more some decals over it anyway which will hide any imperfections.

4

Thanks guys,I appreciate the suggetions!

5

I have had great success with soft pencil erasers. It takes a little patience and time as you want to apply just a little pressure. I have done several dozen Athearn and Bev-Bel cars this way.

6

I’d go for the abrasive method, removing print with chemicals can be difficult, because if it it is screenprinted the chance is big that the paint used to print is the same type of paint used to color the entire body, so if you find the right solvent, it could clean off all paint,
otoh there is paint around that is not effected by any solvents at all once it is cured ./ dried.

Lupo (screen printer)

7

Thanks to ALL especially lupo,I really do appreciate all sugestions.
I’ve been modeling for over 40 years,and this is the first time I’ve had
to even think about this. Undecorated,is the way to go,but unfortunately, did not have that privlege this time.[^]

I’ve stripped paint off many a car in my day,but this is ONE time I wanted
to save a good paint job,and just remove lettering.(so I can letter it for my own road!)

(Atlas “O” scale caboose.)