Stubborn Paint on OLD Shell

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hey there y’all.

I have a pair of old Atlas/Rivarossi N scale C-Liner shells from the 60s that I need to strip some paint off of. The paint is on there pretty thick from custom paint jobs from whoever had these shells before me; it hides some of the vent detailing and is very uneven.

I have put the two shells through many an alcohol bath with 91% rubbing alcohol, then going after the paint with a firm bristled tooth brush, and have made some progress, but not as much as desired. The paint is very stubborn…

What can I use that won’t attack the 40 year old plastic to get the paint off of there? And I’d rather not use brake fluid.

2

Scott,

I am using Castrol Super Clean Degreaser. It worked very well for stripping the paint off and no damage to the plastic that I have experienced.

3

I use Chameleon Gel. http://www.chameleonproductsonline.com/

So far I haven’t found a paint it won’t strip. Although, some of the tougher ones, require a second application.

Nick

4

WD-40 has also worked for me with those stubborn paint jobs so you might give that a try if you have some on hand. Never had a problem with it attacking plastic.

5

90% alcohol
Mineral Spirits
Brake Fluid (I have heard about it being used. Never used it myself, though…)

Phil

6

I have never had much luck getting the paint off of those older Atlas shells unless I grit blast them. I have triesd all sorts of chemical strippers (alcohol, castrol, Chamelion). some work fairly well, others wont touch it. By the way, brake fluid is basicaly an alcohol which is why it removes some paints unless you get one of the newer silicone based fluids.

Dan Pikulski

7

My choice in order of increasing strength:

  1. Pine Sol

  2. Castrol Superclean

  3. Brake fluid