As I'm a bit disappointed with the paint quality of wave one, I am considering to repaint some models, beginning with the gladiator.

I was wondering whether you guys removed the existing paint before redoing your models.

I just sprayed Mr Finishing Surfacer 1500 Black primer on it. Of course you have to get the accompanying thinner for that primer so that you can air brush on.

After that, it's business as normal. You can see them here. I used my stock of Tamiya paints to complete it.

https://community.fantasyflightgames.com/index.php?/topic/178994-cruiser2710s-repaints/

To my knowledge there is no need to strip off the paint ; and I do nott know if anyone has even done that to these...Alot use paint wash and sharpies or light spray paint base coat and brush touch up...

It paints over with no worries at all.

I'd go so far as deliberately advising people not to strip the models.

I've stripped a lot of my X-Wing stuff, and it's more trouble than it's worth. FFG models use a type of plastic that doesn't hold up well to common stripping fluids (even the gentler ones). The plastic is also prone to chipping and flaking when you scrub it to remove the original paint.

So don't bother stripping anything. Wash the model in a mix of warm water and mild dish detergent, rinse/soak it, let it dry thoroughly, and then give it a thin coat of quality spray primer. You won't lose detail and your additional paintwork will adhere just fine.

Even on my styrene models, if I need to strip paint, it's a few days in soapy water. No problems with the plastic at all