I have a large plastic model ship hull I would like to repaint.

Due to the details in the hull, I would prefer not to paint over it, but instead would like to remove, or even better, strip the existing paint.

The existing paint is Testors model paint. Of course, Testors paint thinner would work, but the large quantities required would be expensive. In addition, Testors paint thinner melts paint instead of stripping it... if you know what I mean?

Any suggestions on a product that would strip Testors model paint off of a plastic model?

Thank you.

Clough

I do apologize that no one has come along to address your question. I would think that a heat gun, carefully used so as not to melt anything would work. You could use #0000 steel wool to then remove the softened paint. Please be sure to have adequate ventilation in order not to breath the fumes.

icopus

Hello, Clough. I had forgotten about my question here. Thank you for answering it.
The heat gun is a great suggestion, but I fear it would have warped the very thin walls of the hull. However, I will have to remember this method for future use.
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Follow up -
In my search for a model paint stripper, Castrol Super Clean was highly recommended on a few online forums. I had my doubts. It's not real cheap either, but is a lot cheaper than large quantities of Testors paint thinner.

This past weekend, I tried it. Bottom line, it worked!
I soaked several small pieces in a covered container (it air dries fairly quickly) for about three hours. The paint was dissolved and brushed right off with an old toothbrush.
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WARNING! This stuff is deceptive. It doesn't smell scary, but it is dangerous and I should have worn gloves. I worked with several painted pieces barehanded for 1/2 hour. Despite having washed my hands afterwards, VERY soon my fingers became painful and the outer layers of my skin began flaking off! My skin remained dry and cracked for the next couple of days. No joke! I'm thankful I worked with it outside otherwise I would hate to think what it was doing to my lungs!
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While wearing gloves the next day, I soaked paper towels with Super Clean and spread them on the hull. Keeping the towels soaked over a period of 8 hours, I again used the old toothbrush to just brush the paint off. I then hosed down the hull. I still have a few recessed detail areas and some other small areas where the towels weren't quite touching, but these areas can easily be cleaned up using the regular paint thinner and Q-tips.

I hope this helps others with the same dilemma.

ahrensfox

Hello.I am just getting back into building models after some time. (30 years).I sprayed a truck and it was horrible!! Thank's for the excellent tip! Now i can strip it and try again.P.S. I can't believe how many hobby & train shops went out of business. I quess model builders are a dieing bseed!Thank's again Geo.

mikeoleary

icopus, I am a late comer to this site and am a model builder for 50 years.
The best and safest way to strip paint from models is either Easy Off oven cleaner or better yet automotive brake fluid.
Brake fluid will not harm your skin but don't slop it on another painted surface. If you do wipe it off quickly.
Brake fluid will not harm the plastic. It takes about 30 hours for it to really get the paint so that it will wipe off. I have used this method several times with great results. Make sure you rinse the part off thoroughly with warm water after stripping.
You are probibly already done with the ship but use this method next time.
Good Luck....mike

Clough

Thank you for these other methods to use, mikeoleary!