Old Varnish Removal

[David 3801]

Dear Members,

How do I safely remove old varnish from plastic aeroplanes that was applied straight over the plastic.

 

[peebeep]

I'd use brake fluid, but it's nasty stuff to work with and not everyone's cup 'o char. Dettol disinfectant is another possibility, or your favoured brand of foaming oven cleaner.

[Kenneth ONeill]

If it's still available, there is/was a product called "Modelstrip" (look for it in shops or e-tailers, do not web search) that would lift several coats of enamel at once.

[David 3801]

I'd use brake fluid, but it's nasty stuff to work with and not everyone's cup 'o char. Dettol disinfectant is another possibility, or your favoured brand of foaming oven cleaner.

Thanks Guys will try both Dettol and brake fluid

[guitarpete247]

I did google modelstrip and this came up 

https://www.emodels.co.uk/modelstrip-plastic-model-paint-stripper-modstr01.html

[Sailorman]

I use modelstrip.  It works a treat, removing gloss paints without damaging the plastic. It's not so effective of matt paints and usually needs a 2nd treatment to get rid of all the paint.

It is very aggressive so avoid getting it on your hands gloves are in order.

You liberally cover the parts in the cream and place them in a plastic bag, leaving them overnight.  Next day give them a thorough wash with warm soapy water ....I use an old toothbrush to get into the nooks an crannies.  You don't want to leave any paint remover on the plastic when you come to re-paint!

 

[DavidJC]

Revell do an excellent paint remover called 'Paint Remover'. It's not cheap but a little goes a long way and it's not unpleasant either. Takes of many paints easily, including enamels.

 

As for acrylic paints, they will come off with surgical spirit which can be bought off the shelf from chemist shops. It's unpleasant to use and doesn't have a nice smell, but you can get a large bottle for a few pounds. I'd recommend protective gloves for that, not due to the unplesant chemical but the mess it makes.

 

Finish either method off with a non-aggressive household cleaner with a tootbrush. Rinse and let dry.