removeing paint from polystyrene

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

does anyone know how to remove paintfrom polystyrene without destroying it [?]

2

I would say to try and just scrape off a thin layer of the polystyrene, hopefully you didn’t get too much paint on it.

3

i have had good results useing 91% isopropyl alcohol available at the drug store works have not had a problem with it eating the plastic use a little tub and a old toothbrush let it soak about a half hour to an hour and the paint comes off pretty quick with some scrubing wash in warm soapy water b4 painting off course try it out i have used it to strip factory painted kato,life like,walthers,and atheran with out problem

4

Here are a couple web sites with suggestions: In the old days I used brake fluid. I understand this is frowned on today. Also in a very few cases the part was destroyed.

http://home.netcom.com/~lrickert/On30/FAQ/Other/FAQstrip.html

http://www.maxxtraxxusa.com/Paint_Removal_from_Hard_Bodies.cfm

5

Dschmitt,

Thanks for those excellent links!

I especially like the 2nd one. I’ve been using 91% alcohol, however, I like to try different ideas. I have a Proto 2000 E7 body that needs to be stripped.

I’ll test a section with the “EZ Off”.

High Greens.

6

I’ve had success with the nylon bru***hat you can get from Dremel to use with a Dremel tool. The key is to keep moving to a different section so heat doesn’t build up.

7

I have used Easy-off oven cleaner on plastic aircraft models as well as two engine shells. One coating of easy-off will remove one layer of paint. The trick is a soft brissle toothbrush and lots of warm water. Be especially mindful of the fumes.

8

The best method I’ve used is to soak it in a saturated lye solution… At your local super market get a can of granular Drayno, Not the liquid. In a NON-METALIC, glass or porcelin container heat about a quart of water to just short of the boiling point. Add the lye (Drayno) crystals until they won’t disolve any more. If stirring use a plastic or wood spoon. Let the solution cool to room temp and dunk whatever you’re stripping into it after removing any metal parts. Be sure and use rubber gloves while doing this. After soaking use a plastic (tooth?) or wooden vegetable brush and the paint should come right off. You can save the solution for future use but be sure and clearly label it and keep it where little fingers can’t find it.

9

I use OOPS cloths that I got either at Home Depot or Lowe’s. They come in a plastic package and look just like baby wipes. I seem to remember them costing a couple of dollars. The side benefit is that they are dual use and can be used around the house. I have stripped both passenger cars and frieght cars with these cloths. Just wa***hem in soapy water, rinse, and let dry before beginning to repaint them.

10

I have used denatured alcohol (ethanol with an additive to keep people from drinking it) available from hardware stores in the past on older plastics and it worked like a champ. I do not know whether newer polystyrenes are different in composition and will react with the alcohol, but try some on a small area.

11

I have used a product by Floquil-Polly-s Corp called ELO,it comes in 1/2 pint cans, with great success. I got mine from a hobby store. Read directions and follow them-use in well vented areas only. After stripping, wash shell with mild dish soap,rinse let dry overnight (use hairdryer to speed it up) and refinish . Good luck!

12

A friend of mine sometimes uses one a mini sanfblaster to remove paint.

http://www.woodcarvingstore.com/AirBrushSystems/BadgerMiniSandblaster.asp

13

I use 99% alcohol

14

I used Pine-Sol to strip the paint off an Athern loco. You have to soak it for a while and use a toothbrush (soft one) but Pine-Sol is a safer than Drano or brake fluid as long as you don’t drink it!.

15

I use 99% alcohol.

16

CSXguy,

I’ve seen and have used 91% alcohol, but 99%? Where can one buy it at? The drug stores here in Tampa carry: 50%, 70%, and 91%.

They also have the green stuff, but that’s it.

17

I know its frowned upon but I still use brake fluid, I’ve soaked an old Varney caboose for several days and its done no harm that I can see.

bill

18

hey everybody, thanks for the input on removing paint, i have some of those items in the house.
ican tell by the answers that there that you guys have been diong this for some time.
thanks again Tragl621@cox.net