Here is a great guide to paint strippers, taken from the GW Forums, posted by a guy called R Lobinskie IIRC:
I have compiled the following quick rundown of various paint stripping methods from various model forums and my personal experience to make some fast comparisons available. Further details on a number of these products can be found at http://www.paintingclinic.com. Personal preferences on materials vary quite a bit, based on personal experiences and tastes, plus exactly what they want from a stripper, fast action, plastic safe, inexpensive or easily available. Availability of different products will vary with country of origin. The following is not a definitive list.
Acetone, works well on pewter, will quickly damage plastics. Use with gloves and in good ventilation away from flames. Strips most paints.
Alcohols (Denatured, Isopropyl, "Methlyated Spirits"), works reasonably well on acrylics, usually poorly on enamels and varnishes. Safe for plastics.
Brake fluid, works quite well on all paints, though this may take a couple days, some reports of plastic distortion.
Castrol Super Clean, works very well on most paints, usually within a couple of hours. not reported to damage plastics. Further reports indicate that this may not be as effective as previously reported, plus reported damage to glue on assembled models.
Chameleon is biosafe, fast working and long-lasting, works very well on a wide range of paints, varnishes and decals. Once too much sludge builds up in a stripping vat, you can simply filter through a coffee filter and continue to use. In my experience, will work within 15-30 minutes for most paints, may require overnight soaking for old enamels. Primarily available at hobby shops. I very highly recommend this product. I have heard about other strippers for plastic models, but have not seen any directly yet.
Easy-Off oven cleaner, works very well on most paints, though it is caustic and should be used in good ventilation and with sturdy gloves. Normally works within one hour. Model should be thoroughly rinsed before handling with bare hands. May require a second application for thick paint accumulations.
Gasoline, works fairly well on many paints, will destroy plastics, is very highly flammable and has a considerable toxic hazard. Not recommended.
Nitromors, a DIY-type paint stripper, very good for most paints on pewter, effective within an hour, use with gloves and good ventilation. UK availability.
Orange Clean, works very well on most types of paint, usually within a couple of hours, little scrubbing required. Long-lasting, can be filtered to remove sludge for continues use. Very cost-effective. Some reports of damage to models.
Pine-Sol, a little slow working, will do a good job of removing paint, but extended soaking will damage plastics.
Polystripa (sp?), Canadian product, reported to work quickly on pewter models, will damage plastic, requires mask and gloves.
Simply Green, biodegradable, low toxicity, works well, though some scrubbing is required, usually requires several hours of soaking. Not as effective on enamels. No reports of damage to plastics.
Strypeeze, a heavy duty paint stripper, is a gel that will remove almost any paint or varnish within 15-30 minutes, very caustic, requires good ventilation, gloves and thorough washing after use. Can damage plastics.
Window cleaners, the clear blue variety, works well on acrylics, not very effective on enamels, inexpensive and readily available. |
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