Paint stripper for plastic models

[alecescolme]

I am re-painting a Bachmann locomotive and was wondering what others have used/recommend?

Thanks,
Alec

 

[Gizzy]

Modelstrip, although it's quite expensive?

Otherwise, use brake fluid with extreme care....

 

[steven large]

some peoples use very light sandpaper...very fine sandpapers to rub on it very gently..prime it up..then paint it...weatherin it.....
depend to the peoples who doing it ....hope it help....

 

[Glengrant]

This has been the subject of a long discussion here previously. Try search at top of page.

....just what I was about to say Ross, it's all there, good advice...........

 

[DaveB2]

Fairy power spray. Never used it on a loco but I have used it on plastic and rubbery stuff. Lifts the paint very well and leaves the plastic un damaged.

 

[Don Gilham]

What you need, Alec, is the old nugget of a railway that is short of money, buys second hand stock from another railway and just paints over without bothering to completely remove the previous owner's markings.

Works for me

 

[alecescolme]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!
I will give brake fluid a go, with caution!

Thanks,
Alec

 

[Tim Brien]

Alec,
I have repainted many Bachmann locomotives and hated every minute. The factory Bachmann paint has a very oily type finish, even the flat black locomotives. If one simply thoroughly cleaned and then resprayed then the finish is like spraying water over oil. The paint 'pools' up. I found that sanding with very fine (#800/#1200) wet 'n' dry paper under a lot of running water to remove the bulk of the factory paint does help.

One does need to be very careful what solvent stripper is used. I would be very wary of the type of brake fluid used. Common brake fluid will cause plastic embrittlement and crazing of the surface. I think good old elbow grease is your best alternative.

 

[alecescolme]

Tim,
Thanks for the advice, I plan on using fine wet and dry for the open areas, but I don't want to damage the rivet detail- so I will try to remove the paint around them with a paint removing solution- testing on a small area first.

Thanks,
Alec