Removing enamel paint

[matto21]

Hi all,

I've been trying to obtain a Tamiya 1/20 Jordan 191 for ages, but keep getting thwarted on online auction sites.

I've come to the conclusion that if I want one, I'll have to rebuild and repaint the model I built in my youth.

To do this, I'll need to strip the original paint. What do you suggest for removing enamel without damaging the plastic?

I only have experience of stripping acrylics so not sure what the options are.

Thanks in advance.

Matt

[daniel]

a 1/48 ????

[JamesB]

Maybe you won't need to strip any paint! you have a PM!

[matto21]

a 1/48 ????

Bah! My fault, stupid predictive text! You can tell what I normally build!

[PeteJ]

I have three go to's in stripping. Super Klean, brake fluid and 91% alcohol. I use them in that order. One of them will take off the paint. Just went through that with HOK clear over decals over Tamiya Lacquer over Tamiya primer. It actually took all three to get the part stripped. Some people use oven cleaner in place of the Super Klean. Same active ingredient, different strength.

Oh, and a brass brush! Important tool.

[SBEST]

I would use Scalecoat. It works great for me.

[alesi27]

Oven cleaner. Just be careful with your skin.

But won't damage the plastic

[matto21]

Thanks for the recommendations! Appreciate the info.

[leafs004]

If you have an ultrasonic cleaner, they are wonderful if you can fit the model in. I use a medium sized one that is big enough for a 1/20 kit.

[CK]

If the paint is truely enamel, like the Tamiya square bottles in the old days or Humbrol paint, mineral spirit should take care of it. Good quality turpentine should also work. Mineral spirit and turpentine are save on plastic. and they are good solvent for enamel paints.