The Little World

Take it aaaaall off…

If your mind replayed the music of Dave Rose – ” The Stripper ” – you are a reprobate. I am ashamed to be seen with you.

This morning I have to strip paint from an old Airfix kit to get enough parts to complete a stash build. I have rejected the idea of methylated spirit because the paint is likely to be old Humbrol enamel and has cured for over a decade.

Likewise, I dare not risk lacquer thinners as the plastic underneath will give way. So I have scoured the house and shed for three alternatives:

a. Easy Lift Off – a hobby product by Floquil-Polly S that I bought some fifteen years ago. I know it shifts decals, but I don’t know if it will tackle enamel paint.

b. Selly’s Barbecue Cleaner. It doesn’t say caustic soda on the can but I suspect it might be.

c. Poly paint stripper. I know this works on die-cast cars, but I don’t know if it will attack the plastic.

I have three parts that have been painted black, but could be sacrificed if the chemistry goes bad. They go into three clean paint jars and will be left to sit for an hour.

Result? A clear winner.

The Poly paint stripper softened and distorted the plastic wheel while loosening some paint.

The Selly’s Barbecue Cleaner stripped most of the paint from the tiny machine gun – but it needed a vigorous brushing to peel it off. Another application would be needed.

The Easy Lift off removed the entire paint layer with no effect on the underlying plastic. I suspect it is related to brake fluid, but whatever it is – it works. I shall hoard it up for these hard jobs.