Paint Removal

Gosh Bill.....sorry about the troubles.........Oven cleaner didn't work??!!?? I wouldn't recommend it, but.......

I believe most use a product like Windex with ammonia (Glass cleaner) and let the model soak for hours in a closed tub.....then use a toothbrush to clean the stubborn areas.

Check Swannysmodels.com.........or HawkeyesHobbies.com..........I believe one or both have recommedations or tutorials.

Triarius (Ross) might have a process also if you use a search

namrednef wrote:

I believe most use a product like Windex with ammonia (Glass cleaner) and let the model soak for hours in a closed tub.....then use a toothbrush to clean the stubborn areas.

In this instance, it's a Tamiya spray lacquer (not acrylic) so Windex won't work.

There are different grades of oven cleaner - you may be using a "low caustic" variety?

Another thing people use is brake fluid - though this is a pretty drastic option.

Is repainting over the top of the existing paint an option?

Remember that Easy-Off oven cleaner has to be the one in the yellow can (the original) and the parts your spray it with has to be in a bag or air tight container as the Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) in the cleaner works best by the fumes removing the paint.

The best is Super Clean that you can get at Walmart here but I am not sure about where you are. The part needs to be submerged in it to work well otherwise you will have to spray it on, let it sit, scrub with an old toothbrush, re-spray, let it sit, etc.

http://www.bonediggers.com/1-3/strip/strip.html 

Thanks guys for the advice, I think I'll just paint over it. The oven cleaner was not the best idea given my wife can have an asthma attack with various substances, and this one even got to me.

What started this was I am building a kit of the USS Blue Ridge, and the Pitt Road kit has some lovely detail along the boat deck area on both sides, but if I install the midship deck (yes it's split in to 3 pieces ) it would be hard to get in there with a wash and dry brush to bring out the detail.

BTW what is US Navy Grey (1) and (2)

Oh well, this can only build character

Soaking it in 91% or 99% alcohol may bring it off.

Tony

Addendum to the above,  it did damage the plastic, kind of melted it slightly, the plastic now has a bit of a rough texture.

I have ordered a new kit just now.

Bill,

Easy off in the yellow can will work for most paints. You must do it outside and let sit for 15 minutes after spraying it....then use a toothbrush to gently take off the paint, and have a garden hose handy. In certain cases for me doing it  two times will worked to get off any residual specs of paint. Will not hurt styrene.

Good luck