I'm wanting to try my hand at custom painting. I've got a couple of HO Athearn units and some boxcars from Bachmann and Life Like....just train set type stuff, but good enough to learn and practice with. Can anyone recommend the best way to strip the factory paint?
I soak stuff in brake fluid. Then use an old toothbrush to scrub it. It will need to soak a while. Keep checking it.
Definitely. Some plastics don't like brake fluid, or being immersed in it for long periods of time. Can deform or become brittle.
Many times, 91% alcohol doesn't work. I always use Scalecoat "Wash Away". Google it and it will take you to dealers who sell it.
I've had the best luck with 91% rubbing alcohol, it takes some time. Another alternative is Easy Off oven cleaner, works well with most plastics. Make sure you wear rubber gloves and eye protection with this stuff though. I preferred Chameleon paint stripper, but that is no longer available.
Well I decided on 91% alcohol since it was available at the store right up the road. Worked very well on the F7. Only a few specks remain in some tight corners. I'll scrape that off with a toothpick. But the GP38.....two days of soaking and it still doesn't want to turn loose with a toothbrush. If it doesn't show improvement in a another day or two, I may have to go the brake fluid route. But then again, muddy fields mean this farmer will have plenty of time to wait lol
It can happen. Different paint formulas. Different plastics. Sometimes they come right off, others you need to apply a lot of 'elbow grease'. And a few four letter words. If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, that can also be a help. Make notes for future reference.
