Paint Removal from prior screwed up work!

I've heard of people using oven cleaner and brake fluid so presumably both of them work fine. I prefer Castrol Super Clean personally since it's easy to use and probably a lot less harmful (to you!) than either of the others. I've used it on acrylics and enamels and it will take them off with no problem. Just pour some in a bottle / bowl / something and soak the whole cockpit in it for about 30 minutes and the paint should be gone. Areas that are left might take a little help with a toothbrush. You can find it at virtually any auto parts store or the auto parts area of most larger department stores.

How different is the "wrong" gray from the "right" gray? If the wrong one is a darker shade you can just opt to paint over it and have a pre-shade effect. If it's lighter I think the intended shade will just override it. Frankly, I'd do it this way and save some steps -- very few will nitpick and notice anyway.

Yes, oven cleaner and brake fluid work in getting off paint but you may wish to stay away from oven cleaner. It's very corrosive/caustic and can cause nasty burns on skin; the odor stings as well. I always use rubber gloves when handling it. I place the model inside a large plastic bag after spraying the stuff all over it, seal/tie-wrap the opening, and leave it overnight. I'm going to use Castrol Super Clean next time I need to remove paint off. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
onyan

QUOTE: Originally posted by MusicCity I've heard of people using oven cleaner and brake fluid so presumably both of them work fine. I prefer Castrol Super Clean personally since it's easy to use and probably a lot less harmful (to you!) than either of the others. I've used it on acrylics and enamels and it will take them off with no problem. Just pour some in a bottle / bowl / something and soak the whole cockpit in it for about 30 minutes and the paint should be gone. Areas that are left might take a little help with a toothbrush. You can find it at virtually any auto parts store or the auto parts area of most larger department stores.

The only method I use anymore is Castrol Super Clean(CSC), I used to use Chamelon Hobby Striper the LHS sold for like $13.95/pint, but found the CSC actually requires less working time and is a whole lot more economical. I use a Rubbermaid Kitchen container that I keep almost full of CSC that way I have my container ready to go...The CSC will eventually get "weaker" but not after quite a few strippings or a few months pass. I also wear latex gloves when working with CSC. As mentioned above whatever the CSC doesn't just strip away can easily be removed with a soft bristled tooth brush.

Also one other thing, after stripping with CSC I thoroughly rinse all parts in warm water and allow at least 12 hrs to dry before re-painting.

Good luck...

I just painted the tub way too dark. It's also a good time to try out some new techniques I have picked up since I painted that. I'll pick up some CSC tomorrow and give it a go this weekend. Thanks for the help fellas.
BTW, nice website Craig, I too am a F-1 fan and a loyal Ferrari follower. Too bad about Jaguar.

QUOTE: I just painted the tub way too dark.

Been there, done that. I did the exact same thing on the F-4 I'm building now, only mine was too light.

QUOTE: BTW, nice website Craig, I too am a F-1 fan and a loyal Ferrari follower. Too bad about Jaguar.

Thanks, glad you liked it. I love F-1 but haven't seen a race in a couple of years. I can't ever seem to catch them on TV. My step brother got me interested in it back in the mid 60's. He lived in England for a coupe of years and was an engineer for Cosworth, Ltd. back in the Lotus heyday. He knew most of the Lotus guys of the time, including the late, great Jimmy Clark.

No kidding... my fiance is English and the problem I have in getting 'in' with her dad is that he's a die hard Williams fan and hates Ferrari. Have to learn to keep my mouth shut, I guess. Have a good week.

Just wanted to say thanks to yall for the advice! I have successfully removed the paint and I am letting it dry after a 24 hour soak in soapy water to remove the CSC. All is well and I thank you guys.

Formula 409 kitchen cleaner. It's not caustic like oven cleaner and will not cook your lungs. Although I would suggest using latex gloves to be on the safe side to prevent any minor chemical burns. . Just pour 409 into a plastic tub and allow the model or part to soak overnight. Use a tooth brush the next day to remove the loosened paint. This stuff even works great for paint that has been on for several years!

Try it you'll like it!
Steve