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Easy Off : Very Disappointing Results

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  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Friday, August 17, 2012 8:07 PM

Echo139er

So, goose with all the money and time you are spending on this, why not use the OTHER side of the signs?

LOL... just messing with ya? Anyway, still looking forward to seeing the progress of the bigger project.

Don't give up bud!!

Aw, you're just jealous because I didn't get around to updating my thread at the Lounge.Whistling
Actually,  mostly time and effort was consumed.
>
At worst, I lost the money I paid for those signs.
>
Everything else can be used on "normal "  plastic kits.Wink
>
I'll see what happens this weekend when I cut up a sign and then try gluing the parts with Tenax.
>
Otherwise, I have some splash shields for my metalworking machines.
>
I'll post at the lounge when I have an update.
 .
Shame this stuff isn't the colorful 1960s era plastic dinner place mats.
I could use 'em to make decorative "armor" similar to the Star Trek TOS Costume Designer Bill Theiss's      Elasian Royal Guard Tunic & Armor from the episode "Elaan of Troyius"Alien
  • Member since
    July 2010
  • From: Tornado Alley
Posted by Echo139er on Friday, August 17, 2012 6:05 PM

So, goose with all the money and time you are spending on this, why not use the OTHER side of the signs?

LOL... just messing with ya? Anyway, still looking forward to seeing the progress of the bigger project.

Don't give up bud!!

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Friday, August 17, 2012 1:01 PM

dmk

 I used to be able to get it in Walmart, but I got the jug I just used at my local Advance Auto Parts.

I'll check Advanced Auto in my area.

Don't recall if i visited them.

dmk
  • Member since
    September 2008
  • From: North Carolina, USA
Posted by dmk on Friday, August 17, 2012 12:58 PM

Much like the purple power photos, I'll liberally spray a chromed sprue inside a ziplock bag and leave it overnight. A little scubbing with a toothbrush in the sink is usually all it takes.

 That's exactly what I did with the R2D2.

A while back I dunked an entire Revell A-6 in the stuff. It took off all the Testors Enamel paint (along with the decals sitting on top of it), didn't harm the glue at all.

dmk
  • Member since
    September 2008
  • From: North Carolina, USA
Posted by dmk on Friday, August 17, 2012 12:55 PM

I initially looked for that brand after reading favorable comments about it in another model magazine.

Couldn't find it locally

It may be a regional brand, I don't know.

 I used to be able to get it in Walmart, but I got the jug I just used at my local Advance Auto Parts.

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Fort Knox
Posted by Rob Gronovius on Friday, August 17, 2012 10:32 AM

I've used Easy Off for years with little problem, but not for what you're using it for. Much like the purple power photos, I'll liberally spray a chromed sprue inside a ziplock bag and leave it overnight. A little scubbing with a toothbrush in the sink is usually all it takes.

I do like the looks of that purple power stuff. I have some in the garage that I will try to experiment with.

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Friday, August 17, 2012 10:04 AM

BlakeyB

I am sure what is killing you is the UV coating they put on the signs, that stuff can be tough since they know the signs are going to be beaten by the sun.

I'm certain of that.
It is very tough.
  • Member since
    December 2010
Posted by BlakeyB on Friday, August 17, 2012 10:01 AM

I am sure what is killing you is the UV coating they put on the signs, that stuff can be tough since they know the signs are going to be beaten by the sun.

On the bench: Tamiya Bruiser 2012 RC Truck - Build Log here http://bit.ly/LJEMBr

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Friday, August 17, 2012 9:53 AM

bondoman

IMO the use of rent signs is a bit of an urban legend. Before investing any more time into cleaning them off, try cutting nag gluing them. A little research of the msds sheets pm these shows that they are usually polyethylene, not styrene, and good luck gluing that.

Also they are digital prints these days, not painted. Seems like that stuff runs when you don't want it to and sticks when you try to remove it.

I design signs for a living. The one product that consistently ruins my signs, unless they are clear coated, is Simple Green.

Another negative I have found using sign plastic is that it is pebbly in order to reduce glare.

Styrene is available in large sheets and thicknesses from places like TAP plastic.

As far as the EPA is involved, It ought to be considered that flushing brake fluid down the drain isn't so great. Brake shops dispose of it properly and charge for that as well.

If you mean cutting and gluing: 
As for gluing, I will be trying Tenax as a bonding agent after I finish cleaning the current sign.

Thanks for the info on signs being polyethylene. I'll see how well Tenax works.
As for a pebbly finish, as I may end up sanding, the manufactured finish won't matter.

Will try cutting when I finish removing the lettering.

This is really more of an experiment as I obtained the signs and Tenax for a minimal cost of 65 cents per sign and $5 for a gallon of Tenax. 

Easy Off and Super Cleaner can be used elsewhere, such as on kit parts.

If the signs are unsuitable, I'm sure I can find other uses for such a polymer.
Most likely, I would use them as splash shields for metalworking.

And, yes, I understand your concern about brake fluid dumped down the drain.


  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Carmel, CA
Posted by bondoman on Friday, August 17, 2012 9:51 AM

IMO the use of rent signs is a bit of an urban legend. Before investing any more time into cleaning them off, try cutting nag gluing them. A little research of the msds sheets pm these shows that they are usually polyethylene, not styrene, and good luck gluing that.

Also they are digital prints these days, not painted. Seems like that stuff runs when you don't want it to and sticks when you try to remove it.

I design signs for a living. The one product that consistently ruins my signs, unless they are clear coated, is Simple Green.

Another negative I have found using sign plastic is that it is pebbly in order to reduce glare.

Styrene is available in large sheets and thicknesses from places like TAP plastic.

As far as the EPA is involved, It ought to be considered that flushing brake fluid down the drain isn't so great. Brake shops dispose of it properly and charge for that as well.

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Friday, August 17, 2012 8:38 AM

Yes and no........

.........so far  the quickest method has been removing the outer clear protective covering by sanding with Drywall & Plaster Sanding Screens, then scrubbing with Acetone.

 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Friday, August 17, 2012 7:56 AM

I heard that Easy Off is great stuff for ovens though...

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Friday, August 17, 2012 7:47 AM

Dre

I might have gotten them confused, let's see if anyone else endorses the idea before you spend more money...  hope something works for you.

Thanks.

No worries.

I will be checking on line at other forums for Brake Fluid info.

At worst, I'll use the

Drywall & Plaster Sanding Screens  I also purchased on sale the day I bought the signs.

I did a light sanding with a sanding screen and the screen seemed to do a more effective job than sandpaper.

I'll post further results when I have info.

Dre
  • Member since
    June 2007
  • From: here, not over there
Posted by Dre on Friday, August 17, 2012 7:40 AM

I might have gotten them confused, let's see if anyone else endorses the idea before you spend more money...  hope something works for you.

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Thursday, August 16, 2012 10:16 PM

Dre

If Easy Off isn't getting it done, what about brake fluid?  I've read on the boards that some use it to strip paint...  I doubt that Simple Green would be strong enough for this job, although it might clean off the brake fluid.

I've used Brake Cleaner to remove grease from machines; never considered Brake Fluid.
>
Thanks for the suggestion, Dre.
I will check the local stores this weekend.Yes
Dre
  • Member since
    June 2007
  • From: here, not over there
Posted by Dre on Thursday, August 16, 2012 9:35 PM

If Easy Off isn't getting it done, what about brake fluid?  I've read on the boards that some use it to strip paint...  I doubt that Simple Green would be strong enough for this job, although it might clean off the brake fluid.

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Thursday, August 16, 2012 8:37 PM

dmk

I use this stuff:

Before:

I initially looked for that brand after reading favorable comments about it in another model magazine.

Couldn't find it locally, only this:

which proved less effective than Easy Off.

One problem with liquid is the quantity needed ; a container's contents just barely covers a 19 x 15 inch sign

dmk
  • Member since
    September 2008
  • From: North Carolina, USA
Posted by dmk on Thursday, August 16, 2012 6:52 PM

I use this stuff:

Before:

Soaking:

After:

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Thursday, August 16, 2012 6:28 PM

Bronto

There are 2 types of Easy-Off oven cleaner.  One is heat activated, the other isn't.  Make sure you are using the one that does not require the oven to be heated up to work.

Good point.
The one I've been using is labeled " Heavy Duty " containing Sodium hydroxide (lye) and claims it is supposed to clean " warm or cold ovens in as little as 5 minutes".
Bar code 0-62338-00138-8
  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Cat Central, NC
Posted by Bronto on Thursday, August 16, 2012 5:30 PM

There are 2 types of Easy-Off oven cleaner.  One is heat activated, the other isn't.  Make sure you are using the one that does not require the oven to be heated up to work.

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Thursday, August 16, 2012 4:56 PM

I have some Fantasik Spray Cleaner at home.

Worth a try.Cool

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Dallas
Posted by KINGTHAD on Thursday, August 16, 2012 4:45 PM

I have had good luck with using Fantastic spray cleaner. It works very well on chrome and the paint just takes a longer soak.

Thad

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Thursday, August 16, 2012 4:35 PM

Result after a light sanding, 2 days under Easy Off , wiping with Acetone and scraping with a razor blade.

01JeepXJ

Whatever is used on 'em, it is a tough coating.

I'm mostly concerned with glue bonding problems on painted areas, though your comment about a lack of paint bleed through is encouraging.


  • Member since
    March 2012
  • From: Kingsport, TN.
Posted by 01JeepXJ on Thursday, August 16, 2012 3:47 PM

Goose, I'm with ya. I bought 1 of those for the same reason.

Here's what I did. Rub down the sign with thinner or mineral spirits-didn't try laquer thinner. The lettering etc. faded pretty good but didn't disappear.

I fabbed my part/painted it. No bleed!!! I didn't prime it just to see what  would happen when sprayed with enamel. Worked like styrene for me.

I've never used Easy Off & don't plan on it. Other things work for me.

Hope this helps.

Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of time and only annoys the pig.

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Easy Off : Very Disappointing Results
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Thursday, August 16, 2012 1:45 PM

I purchased some 19 inch by 15 inch  styrene signs for 65 cents each with the intention of using them for scratchbuilding 1/25 scale armor due to cost of 6 inch by 12 inch Evergreen styrene sheets,

Posts on the FSM website have recommended using the lye based Easy Off for removing chrome and paint from plastic.

So far, Easy Off has been a big disappointment.

The signs must be either coated with a very tough,  UV cure clear polymer or Easy Off isn't as potent as it is supposed to be.

Easy Off has been unable to remove the paint.

Best results have been faded red lettering while black paint is unaffected- after 2 days exposure.

My last resort is to sand 13 signs so I can use the plastic.

The question I have is this:

Has Easy Off reduced the chemical strength recently to conform to some new EPA standard?


 

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