SAFE stripping methods for metal figures

[horrido3945]

Hey

I've got some metal figures which were painted by someone else. They're high quality castings but were mucked up by their last owner. I know a couple of them are recent Pegaso figures and couple are older ones, like Cameo 54mm from the 70s.

I'm not sure how to determine if they're coated in acrylics or enamels, and as such not sure what to strip them with and not damage the casting metal or gum up the exisiting paint with the wrong solvent. I've done this before, so...

Suggestions please for SAFE stripping methods for metal figures.

Thanks in advance.

Michael

 

[housecarl]

Michael, Mr muscle oven cleaner works well, as does nail varnish remover. Full article herehttp://www.planetfigure.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27542&highlight=stripping
Carl.

 

[captnenglish]

PineSol works great, I was in the same situation as you and with PineSol, you don't have the fumes of oven cleaner, etc.

 

[Einion]

Any common hardware store paint stripper should work just fine on metal figs, regardless of whether oils, enamels or acrylic/vinyl paints were used. Should take the paint and primer off without a hitch, although you do often still have to pick out stubborn stuff from recesses.

This will tend to unglue a figure too, which can be a good thing, but it might also damage or remove any putty filling.

Oven cleaners based on caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) are also a good alternative, but there are occasional reports of it damaging some white metals if they're left soaking for too long. It's not a big deal, just don't leave the figs in the foam for a week!

Both of these should be used with appropriate caution.

If you want something safer for the user, in the UK Dettol works a treat for acrylic paint apparently. PineSol or Castrol Super Clean are worth trying in the US.

Einion

 

[Gary D]

I did some digging on the internet last month and a lot of modellers use a product called "Super Clean". It was originally made by Castrol but now is sold under its own name. It is a multi purpose degreaser and comes in a purple 1 gallon container sold at Walmart in the Automotive section. I bought some and it will clean styrene plastic, resin, and white metal perfectly with absolutely no damage at all. It's even biodegradable.
I soaked some styrene plastic motorcyle model parts in it for 3 days and with the exception of leaving a stain on the the plastic there was absolutely no problems at all. I just washed them and reprimed them and was ready to repaint. It didn't even soften the plastic like other cleaners will and the paint (enamels) just fell off. It's safe for acrylics and oils too as I stripped a figure.
I can't say enough good things about this stuff!

Gary

 

[Einion]

Super Clean... was originally made by Castrol but now is sold under its own name. It is a multi purpose degreaser and comes in a purple 1 gallon container sold at Walmart in the Automotive section.

Good to know, thanks

Einion

 

[theBaron]

Hi, all!

I use oven cleaner, with no problems, works equally well with plastic as well as metal. You just need to use it in a well-ventilated area, and a pair of gloves is also wise (rubber household cleaning gloves).

I use an old glass baking dish, place the figures to be cleaned in the dish, and place the dish in a sink. Then I spray the cleaner over the figures, to cover them. In a couple of minutes, the lye begins to remove the paint, which colors the foam. Then I will pick up the figure and use an old toothbrush to scrub away gently the old paint. Usually a couple passes is all it takes, and I've never had to leave a figure in the cleaner for more than 10 minutes. I've not noticed any problems with any of the alloys in the figures I've cleaned.

Hope that helps, prosit!
Brad

 

[Mike Stevens]

"Goo Off" found at most hardware stores works well for me. It cost about $3.00 USD