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Removing paint from white metal figures

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  • Member since
    April 2008
Removing paint from white metal figures
Posted by JayDog on Thursday, May 15, 2008 1:02 PM

Hi all, weekly question time Sign - Dots [#dots] I just found some old metal figures rotting away in a box and am trying to figure out the best way to remove the enamel paint.

 

Thanks 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by ajlafleche on Thursday, May 15, 2008 1:33 PM
If they are "toy soldiers" you may have some difficulties doing this. If they are calssic "miniatures" the tried and true EasyOff (tm) oven cleaner spray in a zp lock back or brake fluid overnight bath should do.

Remember, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

  • Member since
    April 2008
Posted by JayDog on Thursday, May 15, 2008 2:54 PM
Thanks ajlafleche I will look into EasyOff. The figures are old-school Grenadier Masterpiece Editions
  • Member since
    June 2008
Posted by RM1970 on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 9:51 AM

I might be able to help with this one. Smile [:)]

I use furniture/paint stripper called "Bix." You should be able to find it at a local hardware store, or maybe Lowes/Home Depot. I keep a jar of it, and when I need to strip something, I drop it in for an hour and let it "soak." Then, I use a toothbrush and all paint is removed. Finally, rinse under warm water.

Always wear gloves with this stuff, and I would not advise its use on any type of plastic or resin. I have never tried it on plastic or resin (I only work with metal), but I am guessing if one were to try it, one would end up with goo.

This stuff has never failed to remove all traces of paint. The castings look new when done.

My 2 cents [2c]

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: Bethlehem PA
Posted by the Baron on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:47 AM

Hi, all!

I use oven cleaner, too (usually Easy-Off); its active ingredient is lye.

I use an old glass baking dish, place the figures in it, spray a layer of over cleaner over them, and let it work.  It usually works relatively quickly, like 5 to 10 minutes to remove almost all paint.  Occasionally I come across a figure whose paint is a little more stubborn, and once I did leave a figure in the dish overnight.  But in my experience, that hasn't been necessary, and I've found that sometimes, leaving the figure sit too long will allow the softened paint to start to set up again.

I wear cleaning gloves, because lye is very caustic, and use an old toothbrush to remove the goo.  Sometimes I will place the dish in a sink and run water over the figure, while brushing.

Also, sometimes it's necessary to use pointed tools, like old dental picks, or sewing needles or pins, to clean out engraved or recessed detail areas.

The cleaner is effective at dissolving old glue, too, so if a figure was glued together, the process can take it back to square one, as a kit for assembly.

Oven cleaner will work to remove paint from plastic models, too.

Needless to say, if you use it, you want to work in a well-ventilated area.

Reagrds,

Brad

The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen.

 

 

  • Member since
    June 2008
Posted by TheKmann on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 12:53 PM

I've had GREAT success with a product called "Simple Green".  It is non-toxic and biodegradeable and really works well for metal figures.  A 24 hour soak for acrylics and 48 hours for enamels.  Just put it in a plastic jar or tupperware (watch out for the Mrs.) and drop your figure(s) in and set it away.  Rinse in the sink and use an old toothbrush and your figure is bare again and its re-useable.  I used the same solution for over (20) figures now.  It will also work on Resin figures I just dont know about the soak times.

 

It may take a little longer, but for the (green) benifits its worth it to me.  I use a 50/50 solution with water, may work faster full strength, but I'm in no hurry I have plenty to work on while they set in the solution.  Its available at most grocery and hardware stores. 

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