Dettol

[Babelfish]

I read on another forum that this popular household disinfectant is excellent as a paint stripper, so I decided to give it a go. And I have to say that I am VERY impressed with the results obtained on Pegaso's 90mm US Marine that I started a while back but with which I was less than happy.

After 4 hours soaking in the stuff the paint just flaked clean off, leaving a pristine metal piece ready to revisit (use an old toothbrush and some washing up liquid to remove any last 'stubborn' bits from deep creases etc.)

You have to use it neat, and it can irritate sensitive skin. But at least it's "clean" and easy to dispose of once you've done with it, unlike traditional paint stripper which - although it does the job - doesn't do it as cleanly and is also a thoroughly nasty, highly toxic goo that needs to be disposed of as special-category waste.

Just thought I'd pass that tip on for anyone who might not be aware of it (it was a new one on me).

- Steve

 

[kenshin393]

It's good innit?

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Good on resin too I presume? A bit smelly I too guess.

My Mom used to make me gargle with the stuff mixed with scalding water when I had a sore throat....that"ll cure you! Believe me that it tastes worse than it smells. I used to call it "dead-all."

Can you paint it on or do you need to prep a bath? I would guess a bath with dispoal following the strp could get a bit pricey.

 

[DEL]

I read on another forum that this popular household disinfectant is excellent as a paint stripper, so I decided to give it a go.
Just thought I'd pass that tip on for anyone who might not be aware of it (it was a new one on me).

- Steve

http://www.planetfigure.com/search/6956951/?q=dettol&o=date
only 3 full pages on the subject

 

[kagemusha]

Doh !......some people just don't listen Del

 

[DaddyO]

Gets my thumbs up - I've stripped a couple of figures and even stripped bits of painted figures without damaging the rest of the paintwork (Like the under-shirt of the one I'm currently working on)
Big thanks to whoever suggested it to me first
Paul

 

[DaddyO]

Can you paint it on or do you need to prep a bath? I would guess a bath with dispoal following the strp could get a bit pricey.

 

[Babelfish]

Of course Del a less sarcastic and more constructive reply would have been something along the lines of "Not a new technique but still a good one. More here (link)".

It was a tip shared in good faith and with the best of intentions, because I thought that if it was a new one on me, there may be others who it was new to also. Bonkers eh?! Sometimes I just can't help being a Betamax man in a BluRay world, but I shall try to do better next time.

Regardless - for anyone interested, these are the "dos" and the "don'ts":

http://realmofchaos80s.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/how-to-use-dettol-to-best-clean-up.html

There's even a demo video (in Scottish no less) on YouTube:



- Steve

 

[Babelfish]

On a related note, I have in the past come across guys recommending Fairy Power Spray for stripping paint (as does a caption on the video above), but seem to recall reading that they have now changed the formula and that this "new improved" version is no longer as good. I've never tried F.P.S. myself - either old or new. Anyone else got any experience with the stuff? Assuming that's not a silly question of course .

- Steve

 

[Richie]

Hi Steve,
You could also mix it with water 50/50 and do larger figures and 120mm scale horses but on a longer soak overnight. The other good thing about using Dettol is you can filter it into a clean new container and reuse it.
cheers
Richie

 

[Tubby-Nuts2]

Hi Steve,
You could also mix it with water 50/50 and do larger figures and 120mm scale horses but on a longer soak overnight. The other good thing about using Dettol is you can filter it into a clean new container and reuse it.
cheers
Richie

Richie. The 'Scots', already know this! after the second use, its distilled, bottled and passed off as 'Lagavulin'. Which is sold at 70 quid a pop. Clever buggers.

Mark.

 

[martin tabony]

I spent ages trying to find Fairy Power spray until I realised I could get it with a home delivery from Tesco. While waiting for the delivery I saw the Detol technique on youtube. So now I've got a big bottle of Detol and two unopened bottles of Fairy! Apearantly though the fairy is a one time use where as the Detol can be kept in a sealed container for further use. As long as you don't mind the place smelling like an old hospital.

Martin
p.s. I should have read all of Richies post !

 

[DEL]

Of course Del a less sarcastic and more constructive reply would have been something along the lines of "Not a new technique but still a good one. More here (link)".
- Steve

A bit over sensitive there Steve. Don't know where you get the impression of sarcasm from ........ but thanks for the advice on how to form my comments here in future ......... by the way that IS sarcasm .
Derek

Now guys you ALL know what comes next Relax lifes way too short

 

[Graham]

Might be a daft question but I wonder if brushes could be soaked in this when they have a bit of a build up near the bristle base?

 

[DEL]

Might be a daft question but I wonder if brushes could be soaked in this when they have a bit of a build up near the bristle base?

Doubt if it would work Graham, probably break down the adhesive holding the hairs. Worst case scenario is that hairs would break loose as you painted and stick to the model ...... murder to deal with even if you notice it before it dries.
To be honest once the build up happens you're as they say 'gubbed'. Have a look at guys like Fernando Ruiz working and you'll see that they're very careful about only gathering paint nearer the point of their better brushes. This is something I fail miserably to do

 

[martin tabony]

Windsor and Newton make a brush cleaner but even that will disolve the glue if you're not careful.

 

[Helm]

NO

I

AM

DETTOLACUS

 

[Mark S]

 

[Babelfish]

"Dettolacus" .... ROTFLMAO

- Steve

 

[Babelfish]

Have a look at guys like Fernando Ruiz working and you'll see that they're very careful about only gathering paint nearer the point of their better brushes. This is something I fail miserably to do

Yep. I've can't seem to manage to do that either Del, try as I may (and God knows I've tried ). I think it's one of those things that sets the true "master painters" apart from the rest of us lesser mortals. And what makes it doubly frustrating is that when you watch a demo, they make it all look so easy!

- Steve