Stripping paint off resin figures?

[Darren]

Hi all,

I have been learning and experimenting through painting a 75mm pirate figure, which has been good. But I'm not happy with the current colours, so would like to start again.

The figure is a normal resin mold. What can I use to strip the paint off - based in lacquer then acrylics on top?

I'd typically use brown Dettol on plastic models, but a search gave conflicting replies as to whether this would destroy resin. Same with metho and isoproyl alcohol.

So thought I'd ask the experts here who may have done this in the past. I have an unused part of the kit I can experiment with, so will try soaking in a couple of things, but any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Babelfish]

I don't consider myself an "expert" but for what it's worth, I've used brown Dettol on both resin and metal figures without any problems. However, if you leave resin immersed for too long, it can end up softened. I guess it depends on the resin quality.

I also find that Dettol fetches the paint off metal more effectively that it does with resin. With resin, you quite often get stubborn, hard-to-shift bits of paint remaining in recesses. Gentle & careful scrubbing with a soft toothbrush can assist there, but it's rarely 100%.

- Steve

 

[Rob]

This is what I have used for the past 15 years to strip resin and plastic figures:

https://fuze-products.co.uk/product/biostrip-20-paint-stripper/

Far more effective than Dettol, does not damage the resin of cast figures, but may temporarily soften some 3D printed resins. Very easy and clean to use and lasts in the tub for years if kept sealed.

On some plastics and resins despite removing all the surface paint it will not return the model to its original colour as some materials absorb the actual pigment.

 

[OldTaff]

Thanks for the tip, Rob, ....I wasn't aware of this product, and have ordered some. Getting a little fed up with the pong of Dettol...

Alan

 

[Rob]

 

[Nap]

I use Dettol when I need to strip paint ...but the smell can be too much for some

The stuff Rob suggests certainly looks worth looking at

Happy stripping

Nap

 

[Mirofsoft]

Oven cleaner

 

[kevininpdx]

Thanks to the OP for asking. I’ve been wondering if any fellow yanks know of an equivalent product across the pond?

 

[Blind Pew]

I've used B & Q own brand value stuff. It's called 'Dial' these days I swear it's the same as much more expensive brands. Do shake / stir it well. I regularly use this to clean & revive brushes.
I've had zero issues on metal, but on resin I've found it turns the resin into rubber and kills any find details if left too long. Definitely do not leave it overnight.

 

[ChrissyG]

Sorry to be an obvious newbie but brown dettol? Is this just normal dettol antiseptic that you put on your kids knee when they fall over?

If it is normal dettol, what's the process? If not, please don't laugh at me too much, i'm new here

I have bought some metal figures already painted and want to practice on them.

 

[Nap]

Sorry to be an obvious newbie but brown dettol? Is this just normal dettol antiseptic that you put on your kids knee when they fall over?

If it is normal dettol, what's the process? If not, please don't laugh at me too much, i'm new here

I have bought some metal figures already painted and want to practice on them.

Hi Chris

No one is going to laugh at any question...yes I use the same dettol as you described , just leaving it to soak and then using a toothbrush ....H & S advice .....not the wife’s ! ......Scrub if needed

...makes the house smell very hospital like !

Happy cleaning

Nap

 

[Tecumsea]

I've used Dettol on oil paints and it becomes a glutinous sticky mess which is almost as hard to remove as the paint. Works ok on acrylics.

This stuff recommended by Rob looked like a good find, I'll be ordering some.

Keith

 

[Chrisr]

I use Dettol on oils and water soluble oils on metal and resin figures, and it works a treat. As Steve says with resin it can leave some bits of paint in the recesses. I pick them out with an old dental tool. Not sure that the smell is such a problem.

 

[Gary D]

Here in Canada there's an Engine Degreaser in a purple container called Super Clean. You can buy it at Walmart. It's biodegradable and re-usable. It works really well and isnt as caustic as oven cleaner.

 

[VerSacrum]

I just use liquid fondue fuel.

Recently bought a bottle of AK interactive's stripper and found that stuff is way to aggressive for delicate resin parts and also too expensive.

 

[China Dave]

I've had good results using a product from Vantage Modelling Solutions (VMS), it's called Clean Slate.
Here's a link to their web page-
https://www.vms-supplies.com/clean-slate-remover
Compared to buying a non modelling making specific product, like Dettol, it is going to be expensive though.

 

[theBaron]

Thanks to the OP for asking. I’ve been wondering if any fellow yanks know of an equivalent product across the pond?

Here in Canada there's an Engine Degreaser in a purple container called Super Clean. You can buy it at Walmart. It's biodegradable and re-usable. It works really well and isnt as caustic as oven cleaner.

Second that. SuperClean is available here in the US, too-it may have originated here. It was originally a Castrol product, but it's its own brand now. WalMart and the automotive supply chains like AutoZone carry it. It used to be around eight bucks a gallon. With the lockdowns and supply chain interruptions over the last 3 years, it's a little more expensive, but it is a bargain compared to other products, because you can use a batch over and over. Less caustic than oven cleaner, as Gary notes, though interestingly, SC shares an active ingredient with most oven cleaners: lye.

I use glass jars of various sizes to makes for figures of various sizes. Generally, a soak of 5 minutes or so is enough to soften paint and dissolve it enough that a gentle scrub with an old toothbrush removes the rest. Though I will usually let a piece soak overnight.

I use it to strip paint from metal, resin, and styrene, with no damage.

I have also used it to clean brushes of water-based acrylic residue, including from my airbrush.

Along with being reusable, it's a degreaser, so I've used it to clean grease in the kitchen and in the garage.

I recommend it!

Prost!
Brad

 

[Viking Bob]

Hi Chris

No one is going to laugh at any question...yes I use the same dettol as you described , just leaving it to soak and then using a toothbrush ....H & S advice .....not the wife’s ! ......Scrub if needed

...makes the house smell very hospital like !View attachment 489257

Happy cleaning

Nap

"I love the smell of Dettol in the morning!"

 

[VerSacrum]

I just use liquid fondue fuel.

Recently bought a bottle of AK interactive's stripper and found that stuff is way to aggressive for delicate resin parts and also too expensive.

On another note, the stuff works quite well for degluing resin, almost as well as acetone on metal. Just gotta be careful with it.

Currently at it again, scraping primer out of mail rings is just the worst...