Cleaning LGB Paintwork

shropshire lad

shropshire lad

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Well the weekends weather isn't looking good so I think it's time to finish some projects(or possibly start some more :bigsmile: )
Amongst which is a LGB 2080 which has been 'weathered' badly before I bought it.
Will using white spirit to remove the crap damage the original paintwork or is there a better option?
I don't really want to respray the loco if I can help it.
Cheers
 
Tricky one that, I think it will be trial and error. Try it on a place that does'nt show first.
 
shropshire lad said:
Well the weekends weather isn't looking good so I think it's time to finish some projects(or possibly start some more :bigsmile: )
Amongst which is a LGB 2080 which has been 'weathered' badly before I bought it.
Will using white spirit to remove the crap damage the original paintwork or is there a better option?
I don't really want to respray the loco if I can help it.
Cheers
Click to expand...
I'd imagine it all depends on what sort of paint was used for the weathering Col. Probably a case of suck it and see?
 
Am I correct in thinking that some LGB locos are painted and others are self coloured plastic? In which case the methods could be quite different.
 
Cheers for the suggestions gents, just tried an assortment up to and including white spirit with a cotton bud and it's going nowhere :crying:
Looks like weathered it is then!
 
what is white spirit?is this the same as mineral spirits here in the US?

this is what i can tell you this from my experience
do not use meths-ie denature alcohol in the US-it will leave a white haze that is a pain to remove-i know this first hand

i might suggest the following , in order;
first very warm water with lots of dish detergent and a mildly abrasive sponge-

for even more effectiveness-remove the shell and simply let it soak in detergent water overnight-or several days -sometimes even mineral based paint will release unless it was well prepped and/ or primed-you may be surprised how paint may release if simply left in strong detergent water for a very long time-ie over a week

next -use mineral spirits (white spirits??) on a cloth and rub-test as mentioned first-spirits seem to come in different potency-perhaps a cotton swab-if your loco is painted from the facotry-it is very likely that you will affect the original paint-as little as changing the sheen, or removing it entirely-lettering will likely be reomved

do not use
laquer thinner, or acetone-both WILL soften the plastic-i know this first hand -

however if you are adept, and willing to test, and brave -using a lint free rag-laquer thinner can cut right through light mist paint-it WILL smeer a bit, and if left long enough-it will affect the paint-from dulling the sheen to softening it, if say, you flood it and make it wet-repeat applications in a short period will also likely cause softening

i have repeatedly heard on the US forums that auto brake fluid works to remove paint very well without harming the plastic-but
i cant personally vouch for this, and i presume you would like to preserve the underlying paint -

another possibility-and now im stretching to try and help you-is naptha-ie lighter fluid-it doesnt seem to hurt anything-but it does seem to have the ability to get under anything-ie paint-just a thought -

could you post pics-it might help a bit with thinking through a possible solution
 
shropshire lad said:
Cheers for the suggestions gents, just tried an assortment up to and including white spirit with a cotton bud and it's going nowhere :crying:
Looks like weathered it is then!
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If the original loco finish is NOT painted try brake fluid somewhere that doesn't matter - carefully!.
 
ROSS said:
Tried MODELSTRIP?
If its Humbrol or other MODEL type paint used on it, it can usually shift it. It will not shift original LGB paint..bonus?
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I agree with Ross. Modelstrip works very fine. You may have to still pick at paint in the little crevices but it certainly gets rid of big areas. It s costly but if you will be doing a lot of stripping there is another cheaper source 'Stripaway'. It is about £20 for 3 kg tub and works in exactly the same way. It will also 'raise' oil based and water based paints like acrylics.
 
Don't laugh at my suggestions but have you tried immersing the body in a mild solution of household soda (crystals) then giving it a gentle scrub? (do wear gloves and eye protection)

Also you could try a toothbrush and toothpaste.

I've used both of these methods with success to remove paint and or pen marks from Vintage Action Man figures although I know that these are made from different types of plastic.
 
shropshire lad said:
Cheers gents,I'll give some model strip a go
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If all else fails I do have a 2080 body going spare that could be for sale?
Excuse the dust.................the Putney and Weybridge District Railway has no use for this Loco at present..........
c447716a1a6a42a3ae039ebf16a9aa9a.jpg
 
ROSS said:
beavercreek said:
ROSS said:
Tried MODELSTRIP?
If its Humbrol or other MODEL type paint used on it, it can usually shift it. It will not shift original LGB paint..bonus?
Click to expand...
I agree with Ross. Modelstrip works very fine. You may have to still pick at paint in the little crevices but it certainly gets rid of big areas. It s costly but if you will be doing a lot of stripping there is another cheaper source 'Stripaway'. It is about £20 for 3 kg tub and works in exactly the same way. It will also 'raise' oil based and water based paints like acrylics.
Click to expand...

Hell's teeth Stripaway is expensive!! Mind you, Modelstrip would be if it's for a big loco.
Click to expand...
Modelstrip comes in a wee tub for about £4+ and stripaway comes in a 3 kg tub so if you are doing a lot of stripping it can be more economical but only if you are doing a lot!
 
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