Enamel paint removal?

[thismonkeyhere]

When I was a boy I repainted (badly) some models that should not have been repainted - single layer of Humbrol enamel paint over the original manufacturer's decor.

Any way of removing same and returning it to, or near to, its original state?

I suspect not, but worth asking.

[Red Firecracker]

Oven cleaner, nail varnish remover and sometimes (full fat) Coke are your first ports of call.

[thismonkeyhere]

Red Firecracker said:

Oven cleaner, nail varnish remover and sometimes (full fat) Coke are your first ports of call.

Sounds harsh (but fair?) - you've seen these work?

[Red Firecracker]

Yep, I use them all the time. The nail varnish remover I would use with some cotton buds.

[perdu]

Not gainsaying RF but did you say you had a wish to return to the colour scheme the original manufacturer retailed them with?

If so I urge caution as any attempt you make bears the risk of losing the enamelled finish of the original too

I have several paint bestreaked tee shirts as mute testimony (OK OK Only figuratively... But!)

Serious care is essential

My personal favourite Tesco Oven Cleaner Hand Spray will almost certainly be too aggressive for your needs

Nail varnish remover/acetone/cotton buds may be the least destructive method, all the usual try this in a place where it won't matter MUCH if it goes aggressive advice comes with the territory

good luck

[Red Firecracker]

Depends on the original model/paint, Perdu. As an example, I picked up a very old Matchbox Caterpillar D9 Bulldozer that had been overpainted with gawd knows what. Instead of dumping it straight into caustic soda, I popped it into some Mr Muscle oven cleaner first, on the knowledge that I'd lost nothing if it all went horribly wrong. Well, it didn't. What I ended up with was a nice, original paint finish with the bonus that it was extremely clean!

The technique to use really does depend on the model and the age of the paint. Old paint is a hell of a lot tougher and more resistant to some techniques than new paint.

Here's a pic of the model after it came out;



None of the paint loss was from the oven cleaner.

Edited by Red Firecracker on Tuesday 3rd April 07:31

[Evangelion]

A soak in warm water for half an hour or so can sometimes soften enamel so that it can be scraped off without damage to the original paint.

[perdu]

Red Firecracker said:

Depends on the original model/paint, Perdu. As an example, I picked up a very old Matchbox Caterpillar D9 Bulldozer that had been overpainted with gawd knows what. Instead of dumping it straight into caustic soda, I popped it into some Mr Muscle oven cleaner first, on the knowledge that I'd lost nothing if it all went horribly wrong. Well, it didn't. What I ended up with was a nice, original paint finish with the bonus that it was extremely clean!

The technique to use really does depend on the model and the age of the paint. Old paint is a hell of a lot tougher and more resistant to some techniques than new paint.

Here's a pic of the model after it came out;



None of the paint loss was from the oven cleaner.

Edited by Red Firecracker on Tuesday 3rd April 07:31

Isn't that a lovely old dozer

Pretty sure that either my brother or myself had that one

It cleaned up well didn't it?

Still advise caution, or overseeing the operation very closely ( mind yer eyes!)

I think you're right about the age of the paint/model dictating how it cleans up

Thinking about how hard we played with them, the paint must surely have been very robust