Hi!
I've started painting my figurines and really enjoying the experience (even if the result may not be the best :)).
I've recently put way too much primer on my Jedi Luke and want to remove it and start again. What would you suggest I use (btw, I'm in the UK, so if it's a product available here, all the better).
Thanks!!
Put the minia in Chante Clair and leave it for one night. The follow day use a toothbrush to remove the paint.
Thanks for the answer. What is Chante Clair ? Do you have a link?
It's a liquid degreaser based made with Marseille soap.
Thanks. I've tried a similar product, and a few others with no results
I've initially used this primer : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rustoleum-AE0040028E8-400ml-Surface-Primer/dp/B001W03PSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486100779&sr=8-1&keywords=Rustoleum+primer
Not sure what to try now
With plastic miniature I've always used this method and I have never had problems.
Keep minis at least 24 hours in a pure solution of this type of degreaser and then use a old toothbrush to remove paint. It's easy.
I've never personally used that primer before, so please take the following advise with a grain or two of salt...
I've used Simple Green. It's easy to get (in the US, at least) and is gentle to the plastic miniature. I just pour some in a small cup, drop the figure in and let it set for 24 hours or so. Sometimes longer depending on how thick the paint is. Then I get out an old toothbrush and a couple of toothpicks and get to work.
http://www.simplegreen.com You can get this pretty much anywhere (Target, Wally World, Dollar General).
I wouldn't risk anything stronger than that or poor Luke might end up looking like his dad (minus the armor). Hope this helps.
simple green leaves an awful smell. the plastic absorbs the smell. It does however work very well and is non toxic like the other chemicals.
That's a good point. I've always found the smell to be quite pleasant, but my wife hates it. But, then again, I find the smell of gasoline pleasing. I'm weird though.
90% isopropyl alcohol works great for me. Let it soak and when you notice it flaking, you can use a toothbrush. It will not harm plastic. I've used this on hard and softer plastics, resin, metal. Works every time.
Thanks: that worked perfectly
I always use a generic brand of brake/clutch fluid. Soak the mini overnight and the paint drops off with a rub with a toothbrush. Works with plastic, metal and resins without harming them. To degrease them afterwards, soak in some distilled white vinegar and again, give a brush with a toothbrush. Finally to dry them out nicely, place in a sealed bag with some rice overnight. Works every time
On 2/6/2017 at 3:48 PM, Lord Vapor said:90% isopropyl alcohol works great for me. Let it soak and when you notice it flaking, you can use a toothbrush. It will not harm plastic. I've used this on hard and softer plastics, resin, metal. Works every time.
How long did you end up soaking them?
It depends on how much paint the fig has. I test it about every 30 min because I'm impatient
It can sit in over night...
Thanks!
I didn't realize I had posted this in two threads until I was done. Sorry.
I tried the alcohol on some over-primed snowtroopers and it didn't really work that well.
Has anyone ever tried just soaking the figures in Testors paint thinner?
I have one snowtrooper that needs to be completely redone (all the detail is now buried under too much paint where I was attempting to fix him) and need a way to get as much paint off as possible, including primer.
The paint thinner will likely eat your mini up.
Just dip overnight, scrub and repeat over a period of days.
Can you show us a pic of the poor little guy? That might help people get a better idea of what you're working with.
Depends on the thinner. Acetone eats plastic, but solvent nafta doesn't. (I use solvent nafta with enamel paints.)
Here is the guy I think needs a complete redo.
I guess I can try the alcohol again.
I presume you live in the States? If there's a dollar store near you, you can pick up a product called "Awesome" or more specifically "LA's TOTALLY AWESOME" that people over on the X-wing painting forums swear by (Yellow liquid, frosted spray bottle, red lettering--Google it). I use Simple Green because I didn't learn of Awesome until after, but they work the same.
Get an old jam jar, disposable cup or what have you, place the figure in, and fill with the liquid until it's up past the figure and let it sit over night. When you get back from home from work or school, take it out, rinse it with water and then take an old toothbrush and scrub it. The paint should be coming off. It's not magic, so don't expect the paint to drop to the floor like your partner's clothes on prom night. Use a toothpick to get into the cracks.
If you're not satisfied with the results, put it back into the soup for another night and repeat. I should say that this works on acrylic paint . If you've used enamels, then I 'm afraid you're going to need someone else to chime in.
Also keep it out of reach of kids & pets while it sits over night.
I've used Pine Sol in the past for resin / metal minis. I will try to find the Awesome product from a Dollar Store near my house.
Thanks!
Hilariously, the Awesome easily stripped off the black enamel Testors paint I used for the base (so as not to waste my Vallejo black), but hasn't made much of a dent on the Vallejo acryllic paint that I'm actually trying to strip off.
I'm still soaking it though. Maybe it will get better in 5-6 hours when I get home.
Not sure if it hasn't been said yet. But I recommend Castrol Super Clean. another engine degreaser that's safe on metal and plastic. 8 hours and the paint will come off easy with a rinse and a quick scrub with an old tooth brush. I use it for everything. 15 bucks for a jug (comes in purple jug) from Walmart will last you a long time.
The Awesome actually worked very well after about 24 hours. The toothpick couldn't remove the paint entirely from the eye area, but otherwise, the figure was pretty much reset to normal.
I've already re-primed him and am ready for a second attempt.