Maya Ellison
Removing paint from plastic miniatures can be a tedious task, but it is not impossible. The best product to strip paint off miniatures is isopropyl alcohol, which removes most paints and does not harm the miniature. Other options include Dettol, Simple Green, LA's Totally Awesome, and Biostrip 20. The process of removing paint involves fully submerging the miniature in the stripper solution, leaving it for a few hours, and then gently scrubbing the paint off with an old toothbrush.
Removing Citadel Paint from Plastic Miniatures
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint Remover | Dettol, Simple Green, LA's Totally Awesome, Isopropyl Alcohol, Paint Blitzer, Biostrip 20 |
| Soaking Time | 1 hour to 24 hours |
| Tools | Toothbrush, Toothpick |
| Safety | Wear gloves when handling paint stripper |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking in isopropyl alcohol
When using isopropyl alcohol for paint removal, it is important to note that it only dissolves natural resins. This means that it will not be effective on all types of paint. However, if you are dealing with resin miniatures, isopropyl alcohol can be a good option.
To remove paint from your plastic miniatures using isopropyl alcohol, start by filling a container with the alcohol. You can reuse the isopropyl alcohol multiple times, but it is recommended to replace it when it turns black or becomes too dirty. Submerge the miniatures in the liquid and let them soak for several hours. The alcohol will loosen the paint, making it easier to remove.
After soaking, you can gently rub the paint off with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help remove any remaining paint without damaging the miniature. Once you have finished stripping the paint, wash the miniature with mild washing-up liquid and warm water to remove any residue.
It is important to note that isopropyl alcohol is not the only option for paint removal. Other products, such as brake fluid or heavy-duty multi-purpose cleaners, can also be effective. Additionally, some users have reported success with household products like Simple Green or Dettol, which often contain isopropyl alcohol as their active ingredient.
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Using a paint stripper like Biostrip 20
Biostrip 20 is a water-based paint stripper that is commonly used to remove paint from plastic miniatures. It is a popular choice for the tabletop gaming community as it is proven to be effective in stripping paint from miniatures quickly and safely.
To use Biostrip 20, start by brushing the solution onto the painted areas of the miniature. Leave it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the paint starts to blister or soften. You can speed up this process by covering the coated area with polythene or cling film, which prevents the stripper from drying out. Once the paint has softened, it can be easily scraped or wiped off. If there are multiple layers of paint, you may need to repeat the process.
After removing the paint, wash the miniature with clean, soapy water to ensure that all residue is gone. Make sure to dry the miniature completely before repainting it.
Biostrip 20 is a non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-caustic product, making it safer for both the user and the environment compared to traditional paint strippers. It does not produce hazardous fumes, so it can be used indoors without the need for ventilation. The thickened formulation also ensures that there are no drips or runs, making it economical and easy to use.
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Soaking in household cleaning chemicals like Simple Green
Soaking your plastic miniature in household cleaning chemicals like Simple Green is an effective way to remove Citadel paint. This method is recommended for those who want to avoid using harsh chemicals or time-consuming techniques. Soaking the miniature in a sealed container of diluted Simple Green for 24 to 48 hours will loosen the paint, making it easier to scrub off with a toothbrush.
It is important to note that different paint types may require more soaking time or multiple soaks. For example, some paints may resist Simple Green, requiring the use of a heavy-duty cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Additionally, clear coats are known to survive a Simple Green soak, so an alternative method or a stronger chemical may be needed.
Before soaking your miniature, ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area and wearing appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection. Prepare a sealed container, such as a tub or jar, that is large enough to completely submerge the miniature. Dilute the Simple Green according to the instructions on the product, usually in a 1:1 ratio with water, and pour it into the container.
Place the miniature into the container, ensuring it is fully submerged, and seal the container. Leave the miniature to soak for 24 to 48 hours, checking periodically to ensure it is still submerged. If needed, use a spoon or stick to gently push the miniature down to keep it immersed.
After the allotted time has passed, remove the miniature from the container and dispose of the Simple Green solution responsibly. Rinse the miniature with warm soapy water and scrub it with a toothbrush to remove the loosened paint. Rinse the miniature again and scrub it with a different toothbrush to ensure no residue remains.
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Soaking in hand sanitiser or alcohol-based cleaning products
When using hand sanitiser or isopropyl alcohol, it is important to monitor the process closely, especially when dealing with plastic miniatures. Isopropyl alcohol can dissolve plastics, so it is crucial to keep a close eye on the soaking process to avoid damaging the miniature. The duration of the soak may vary depending on the paint type and thickness, but it is generally recommended to soak the miniature until the paint softens or starts to lift.
After the initial soak, you can use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the paint off. It is recommended to have a dedicated set of brushes specifically for this purpose. The brush can help reach crevices and small details on the miniature, ensuring that all the paint is removed. It is important to note that some paints, especially older or more stubborn paints, may require multiple soaks and additional scrubbing to fully remove them.
Some people have reported success with reusing the isopropyl alcohol multiple times until it turns black. However, it is generally recommended to replace the isopropyl alcohol once it becomes too dark or contaminated to avoid any potential issues with residue or reduced effectiveness. Additionally, it is advised to dispose of used isopropyl alcohol safely and responsibly, following local guidelines for hazardous waste disposal.
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Scrubbing with an old toothbrush
If you're looking to remove paint from a plastic miniature, there are several household cleaning chemicals that can do the trick without harming the model. These include Dettol, Simple Green, LA's Totally Awesome, and Isopropyl Alcohol. You can also use specialist solutions like Paint Blitzer, but these aren't necessary. Soak the miniature in your chosen chemical for 24 hours, or until the paint softens and can be easily scraped off. The duration of the soak will depend on the type of paint stripper and the material of your miniature.
Once your miniature has soaked, it's time to scrub. Using an old toothbrush, gently scrub the paint off the model. You can also try an unused toothbrush or other cleaning brushes. The paint should start peeling away immediately. If it doesn't, you may need to soak the miniature for a little longer. Continue to scrub and rinse until the paint is completely gone. A toothbrush can effectively remove most of the paint, and for harder-to-reach areas, a toothpick can be used to scrape away any remaining bits.
It's important to note that paint strippers can weaken the glue on a model, so small parts may come loose during the cleaning process. Always wear gloves when handling paint stripper, and work over a workstation with access to warm water, rather than an open drain. Rinse the model under warm water to get rid of any excess paint stripper and loosened paint.
If you're using Isopropyl Alcohol as your paint stripper, you may need a stronger concentration (91% or higher) to effectively remove the paint. Soak the miniatures in the alcohol, and the paint should melt off within an hour. A bit of scrubbing with an old toothbrush will take care of any remaining bits. As long as your models are plastic or metal, they can safely soak in the alcohol for an extended period.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use household cleaning chemicals such as Dettol, Simple Green, LA's Totally Awesome, or isopropyl alcohol to remove Citadel paint from plastic miniatures. Soak the miniature in the chemical for 6-24 hours, then scrub the paint off with an old toothbrush.
Yes, as long as the miniature hasn't been varnished, hand sanitizer or alcohol-based cleaning products will remove acrylic paint. You can also use 91% isopropyl alcohol or stronger, which will melt the paint off within an hour.
You can use specialist solutions like Paint Blitzer or Biostrip 20, which is a paint stripper with a goo-like consistency.
The duration depends on the type of paint stripper and the material of the miniature. For Biostrip 20, the recommended time is around 6 hours.
After removing the paint, rinse the miniature under warm water to get rid of any excess paint stripper. Then, gently scrub the miniature with a toothbrush to remove any remaining paint.
