Partial paint removal

When stripping or removing paint unfortunately it usually means all or nothing. There is no adequate way to protect the areas you don't want stripped.

I've found that if enamel hasn't been on too long, I can wipe it off with a little mineral spirits on a rag.  It's worth a try.  It takes a while for enamel to fully cure.

Don

Sanding with fine sandpaper will not harm the plastic.  With fine wet or dry paper (say 600 grit) you sand the coat you want to remove completely, stop when you get into prime or earlier color. If you are concerned you can use 1000 grit though that takes a long time to completely remove a coat.

Mr. Color Thinner (from Gunze Sangyo)  will take off, dang near, any paint.  Just dip a q-tip in some MCT and wipe away.  It's controllable and there's no need to damage the rest of the paint.  I've used it on acrylics and laquer and it's never affected the plastic.

Just a word of caution - it stinks, so use plenty of ventilation.

-Fred

Hey everybody, thanks for taking the time to respond to my post. I will try out both approaches on a painted "test" plane. I've already have the mineral spirits but would need to find the Mr. Color Thinner. 

NiceFit

 I've already have the mineral spirits but would need to find the Mr. Color Thinner. 

You may find it easier to find Tamiya Lacquer thinner, which is similar to Mr Color thimmer. Both Mr Color and Tamiya thinners are milder than generic lacquer thinners and are said to not attack styrene, as the generic lacquer thinners may. Tamiya lacquer thinners come in 250ml jugs with a yellow cap.