Chriss7607 Posted July 25, 2022 Share Posted July 25, 2022 I was wondering if any of you guys or gals out there know of something that will effectively strip enamel model paint (of the Testors square bottle flavor to be exact)? I had, up until this point, used Easy Off oven cleaner but it seems that they changed the formula and it's too caustic and damages the plastic. I'm trying to find something that will work without attacking the plastic. Any suggestions are appreciated! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
southwestforests Posted July 25, 2022 Share Posted July 25, 2022 (edited) Model railroad world has had this since the 1980s, Quote Scalecoat Model RR Paint Part # 640-10568 Paint Stripper/Remover for Plastics -- 16oz 473mL Bottle https://www.walthers.com/paint-stripper-remover-for-plastics-16oz-473ml-bottle Works on styrene, ABS, metal. I did once discover that it reduces resin parts to jelly. Edited July 25, 2022 by southwestforests Quote Link to post Share on other sites
oortiz10 Posted July 25, 2022 Share Posted July 25, 2022 Super Clean degreaser. I've used it for years on acrylics, enamels, and even lacquers. It's stripped it all, safely. Even on resin and clear parts. I've also used it to remove "chrome" from car kit parts. Just give the parts a little soak, and usually the paint just falls off. For lacquers, I've used a toothbrush on the stubborn spots. The paint eventually all came off. The only warning I'd give is to use gloves. (Should go without saying.) If you don't, the stuff will leave your fingers feeling like your prints have been stripped off, too. Hope this helps. Good luck! -O Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cat Barf Posted July 26, 2022 Share Posted July 26, 2022 (edited) I've used brake fluid. When I mentioned this on another forum, I was informed that I was lucky that it didn't damage the plastic. This is the model in question after it was repainted. Edited July 26, 2022 by Cat Barf Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WymanV Posted July 26, 2022 Share Posted July 26, 2022 The last 2 cars I built I stripped with brake fluid. One because I dropped it while it was wet 😡 and the other because it was well over 20 years since I painted the body, never finished it and it really needed fresh paint. That one soaked in brake fluid for 3 days before it started cutting through the paint. I have never had issues with brake fluid damaging styrene. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
okthree Posted July 26, 2022 Share Posted July 26, 2022 #2 for Castro Super Clean. Not sure I would call it safe but very effective. Safer than brake fluid though. It is also cheap and readily available at Walmart or auto supply stores like Auto Zone. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chriss7607 Posted July 27, 2022 Author Share Posted July 27, 2022 Thanks for all of the replies! I got some of the Super Clean today. It couldn't have been easier - I went to O'Reilly's Auto Parts and it was right across from the door! Today I have been battling bronchitis and power outages in 100+ degree heat, so I'm going to wait to try it out and report back. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chriss7607 Posted July 30, 2022 Author Share Posted July 30, 2022 *Update* We have a winner! The Super Clean did the trick! Thank you to everyone who replied. The other suggestions are good to keep in mind just in case I ever need to try something different. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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