Model Railway Forum

Hello all,

Any suggestions for paint removal on plastic. I have an older Princess where someone painted the top front section of the boiler. Its a its rough and if possible would like to remove it rather than a full repaint.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Dirk

I have heard that Dettol can remove paint, though please check as it may remove the original paint as well. Hopefully someone can comment. I have not been able to use it myself due to the smell causing me issues, so I can't comment on how effective it can be. But please check before using any form of paint remover on a less important area on the model just incase it removes the original paint as well!

Car brake fluid was one liquid method used, but with any paint stripper you need to be sure it won't cause damage to any plastic under the paint. So always do a small hidden test patch first.

There is a good chance that whatever method you use, the underlying factory applied paint will be damaged. Also, it's very difficult to selectively strip paint from one are leaving everything else unscathed.
And then of course the method or chemicals used will be determined by the type of paint used. If the paint that you describe as 'lumpy' is an enamel applied with a brush, you may need a more aggressive stripper which in turn may damage the base coats.

Thank you all for the suggestions. I do want to try and save this old girl if possible not that its a high value engine its more the challenge. I have spare body if things don't go according to plan.

I'll post the results.

Dirk

Well great success using the brske fluid suggestion by Brian. It worked very well with cotton buds and doing it slowly. I have a few minor touch ups but it removed the paint nicely down to base plastic also removing the factory paint I think it was factory going on its stable mate beside it. The other same Princesses are complety black. I seem to have acquired a few of these models and have to convince the wife they are all different....

Didn't have any Detol as Mountain Goat suggested to try so I don't personally know how it would go probably quite well as it removes band aid sticky residue where practically nothing else does and I believe its part alcohol.

Dirk