Removing old paint off clear parts

It can be had for $ 16 on Amazon. That's what I would do.

Otherwise, the interior can be over painted, the exterior can be worked on with a stripper like Chameleon. I would not try thinner, and certainly not lacquer thinner.

Ya, I know it's a cheap kit. It was probably like $3 Back then.

anybody tried the brake cleaner or automotive parts cleaner?

I had a couple of models that I did as a kid and decided to redo.  the paint was enamel and was all brush painted.  Instead of trying to remove all the paint, I broke down the models as much as I could till I had a pile of large parts, small parts and clear parts.

 I then did a light sanding with 600 grit sandpaper on all the larger parts.  Once I was able to smooth out what I could see, I shot some primer on it and sanded any other blemishes I missed.

With all the issues fixed I primed once more and had a clean smooth surface to lay a new coat of paint down.

I soaked the clear and small parts in oven cleaner over night, wiped away the paint, polished the clear parts with 4000-8000 sand paper and dipped them in future.  They were crystal clear and ready for paint.

For small parts like cockpit and landing gear, I wiped away the paint after the soak, shot primer on them and they were ready to go.

Prior to dismantling the models, I put them in the freezer over night which made the glue brittle.  The models came apart much easier and I did not have to do as much cutting etc to get it broken down.

route62

Prior to dismantling the models, I put them in the freezer over night which made the glue brittle.  The models came apart much easier and I did not have to do as much cutting etc to get it broken down.

 

Hello!

Two things that I have personally tried out are brake fluid (DOT-3) and drain cleaner (NaOH). Read many times how folks on the forums use oven cleaner and stuff like that, could be worth trying. With brake fluid you pour some in a container and put the parts in. Or just paint the parts with brake fluid and wait for the paint to start peeling, it's very visible. About half an hour after the paint starts peeling take an od toothbrush and a toothpick and remove the paint also rinsing the parts with water, and that's it. If some of the paint stays, either re-try or sand it down. Clear parts can be polished and dipped in future to make them spotless again. Drain cleaner - this sometimes works better, but is more dangerous. You dip the parts in a solution (if that drain cleaner comes as pellets). The solution gets warm when it's mixed with water and it works better when warm, but look out that it doesn't scald you. It will also chemically burn you, if you don't watch out. But it's effective.

Anyhow - good luck with that Hughes - I'm currently building two of them eggs, but in 1:72. Have a nice day

Paweł

Well gosh, all that work to save $ 16? Sometimes if it's a OOP like the Thunderjet with jet sounds, sure.

But why not just start over and have spare parts?

It's not a matter of saving $. I have it in front of me, and want to revive it.

Thanks for the tips guys!

I have said it before and I'll say it again.

Testors  Easy Lift Off  aka : E.L.O. 

Its almost like it was formulated to take paint off clear plastic ! Works on other stuff to but it's not cheep. However a $10 can lasts for a long time...... unless your like me and make a LOT of mistakes !

If you do use it be sure to CLEAN THE RESIDUE THROUGHLY !!! Any amount left on the plastic will prevent the paint from sticking / curing. ( And it makes your hands stink .)

Hi elation !

 The Testors ELO sounds like the best way to go . Brake fluid will work too .

Dispose of properly.

I recently used Purple Power to remove some enamel paint that had been on a model for 20+ years.  Did a decent job with some time (several hours) and an old toothbrush.

Got it at Walmart in the automotive section (it is a degreaser).

Nasty stuff, so wear gloves when handling, as it will "melt skin".  It is supposed to be bio-degradable though.  Not too much in the way of fumes, but used it outside anyway.  Less than $10 if I remember correctly.

D

I've used Purple Power twice with great results but the paint had only been on the model for a few weeks.