Omar Khalid
Removing paint from an RC body can be a tricky task, especially if the paint has cured and bonded to the plastic surface. While some people have had success with using products like acetone, non-acetone nail polish remover, or brake fluid, others have reported mixed results with these methods. In some cases, these products may even damage the plastic, leaving it dull or brittle. To avoid potential damage, it's recommended to test any product on a small, inconspicuous area first. Additionally, some people have suggested using store-bought paint removers like Tamiya's Paint Remover or Polycarbonate Body Cleaner, though these may be less effective on larger areas and can cause cracking. Ultimately, if the paint job is well done, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to remove without damaging the plastic body.
Removing paint from plastic RC bodies
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe removal | Tamiya's "PC" range of brush-on/airbrush paints can be removed with Tamiya "Polycarbonate Body Cleaner" or Tamiya "Paint Remover" |
| Safe removal | Autosmart TARDIS (tar dissolver) or Detailed Online "Tar & Glue Remover" |
| Safe removal | TamiyaBase.com recommends using reinforced tape, mesh or Shoe Goo to bridge cracks or holes |
| Safe removal | TamiyaBase.com recommends priming with Tamiya PS paint before moving on to acrylics |
| Unsafe removal | Acetone will remove paint but will also dull the Lexan |
| Safe removal | Non-acetone nail polish remover |
| Safe removal | Denatured alcohol |
| Safe removal | Nitro fuel |
| Safe removal | DOT3 brake fluid |
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What You'll Learn
Using brake fluid
Removing paint from an RC body can be a difficult task. While some people choose to scrape off the paint, this is not the most effective method and can damage your car. There are several other methods to remove paint from an RC body, one of which is using brake fluid.
Brake fluid is a cheap and accessible option to remove paint from an RC body. It can be purchased from any local auto supply store. However, it is important to note that brake fluid is corrosive and caustic, and many experts do not recommend it. It can cause the RC body to change colour, turn brittle, and even melt the plastic. Therefore, it is recommended to try the brake fluid method on a small, unimportant area first to test how well it works before applying it to the whole body.
To use the brake fluid method, simply pour the fluid onto the RC body and leave it to sit and soak for 10 minutes to several 30-minute stretches, depending on the thickness of the paint. Then, wipe the paint off with a scrap of plastic or paper towel. You may need to repeat this process several times. This method is most effective when used within the first 2-3 days of the paint being applied.
It is important to note that there are different types of brake fluids, and not all of them are suitable for removing paint. DOT 3 brake fluid, for example, requires a lot of scrubbing and leaves a residue. DOT 4 brake fluid, on the other hand, is recommended by many as it does not leave a residue and requires minimal scrubbing.
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Using lacquer thinner
To use lacquer thinner to remove paint from an RC body, you can follow these steps:
Begin by ensuring you are wearing gloves and have adequate ventilation in the area you are working in. It is also recommended to cover any sensitive surfaces or items nearby to protect them from potential damage.
Next, apply the lacquer thinner to a sponge or rag. It is advised to use the rough side of the sponge or an old rag to aid in the paint removal process. Apply a generous amount of the thinner to the surface of the RC body, ensuring that all painted areas are covered.
After applying the lacquer thinner, allow it to sit for a few minutes. This will give the thinner time to penetrate and loosen the paint. Depending on the thickness and type of paint, you may need to let it sit for longer or apply additional thinner for better results.
Once the paint has been sufficiently loosened, you can begin to wipe it away with the sponge or rag. Work in small sections, applying more thinner as needed and wiping away the paint until the desired area is clear of paint. You may need to apply some elbow grease, especially in areas with stubborn paint residue.
Finally, once all the paint has been removed, use a clean cloth or towel to wipe down the RC body. This will help remove any remaining thinner and paint residue, leaving your RC body ready for a new coat of paint or further customization.
It is important to note that using lacquer thinner may not always yield perfect results, and there is a risk of damaging the plastic if not done carefully. Always test the method on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not harm the plastic. Additionally, there are alternative methods available, such as using nail polish remover, denatured alcohol, or specific products like Tamiya Polycarbonate Spray, that may be better suited for removing paint from plastic RC bodies without causing damage.
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Using non-acetone nail polish remover
Removing paint from an RC body can be a tricky process, and there are several methods you can try. One option is to use non-acetone nail polish remover. This method is recommended for Lexan bodies, a type of polycarbonate plastic commonly used in RC cars.
To use non-acetone nail polish remover to remove paint from an RC body, start by mixing the nail polish remover with denatured alcohol in a 2-to-1 ratio. Soak a cotton bud or Q-tip in the mixture and gently rub it on the painted areas. You may need to apply multiple coats and rub vigorously, but the paint should eventually come off.
It is important to note that this process may take some time and effort, and you may need to reapply the mixture a few times to completely remove all the paint. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves to protect your hands.
Additionally, keep in mind that while non-acetone nail polish remover is generally safe for Lexan, it is always a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause any damage or discolouration. Some users have reported that their Lexan bodies did not react well to certain chemicals, so it is better to be cautious.
As an alternative to non-acetone nail polish remover, you can also try specialised products such as Tamiya's "Polycarbonate Body Cleaner" or "Paint Remover", or Carson "Paint Killer". These products are designed specifically for removing paint from polycarbonate RC bodies and are known to be effective, although they may work slowly and be better suited for small areas.
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Using denatured alcohol
Denatured alcohol is an effective method for removing paint from an RC car body. It is particularly useful for removing paint from the inside of an RC car. This method is also safe to use on Lexan bodies.
To start, ensure you are wearing gloves to protect your hands. Next, soak a rag or a piece of cloth in denatured alcohol. Place your gloved fingers inside the rag and apply a few drops of denatured alcohol to the tips of your fingers. This allows you to have more control over where the paint will be removed from.
Then, begin rubbing the paint in small circles. The paint will gradually start to come off. You can repeat this process as many times as needed to achieve your desired results. However, be cautious not to scrub too hard, or you might damage the RC body.
Denatured alcohol is a good alternative to other methods such as using brake fluid, which can be corrosive and cause the body to change colour and turn brittle. It is also safer than acetone, which can dull and damage Lexan.
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Using Tamiya products
Tamiya offers a range of products to help you remove paint from plastic RC bodies. Here are some methods using Tamiya products:
Tamiya Paint Remover
Tamiya's "Paint Remover" is a liquid solution that can be used to remove paint from RC bodies. It is designed to be safe for polycarbonate surfaces and can be reused one or two times. It is important to note that some users have reported issues with cracking when using this product. It typically costs £16.99 for a 250ml bottle.
Tamiya Polycarbonate Body Cleaner
Tamiya's "Polycarbonate Body Cleaner" is another option for removing paint. It is a slow process and is, therefore, more suitable for small areas. It is available in a 40ml bottle, ranging in price from £1.69 to £9.99.
Windex
Windex, a window cleaner that contains isopropyl alcohol, water, and ammonia, can effectively remove Tamiya acrylic paint. It is important to test it on a small area first, as it may not work on all paint types and could smear older paints.
Other Tamiya Products
Tamiya offers a range of other products that can aid in the paint removal process, such as their "Tar & Glue Remover," which can be used to strip paint from polycarbonate bodies. Additionally, their "PS" range of spray paints can be used to prime RC bodies before applying acrylics.
When using any chemical product, always read the labels and follow safety instructions. It is also recommended to test products on a small area first to ensure they do not damage the surface or cause any adverse reactions.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to remove paint from an RC plastic body. Some people have had success with brake fluid, but this must be done within the first 2-3 days of the paint being applied. You can also use non-acetone nail polish remover, lacquer thinner, or nitro fuel. If you use nitro fuel, be sure to rinse the body with mild detergent before repainting.
There are several options for paint removers that are designed for use with RC plastic bodies. Tamiya makes a “Polycarbonate Body Cleaner” and a “Paint Remover” product. Carson also makes a product called "Paint Killer." These products tend to work slowly, so they are only useful for small areas.
Acetone will remove paint from an RC plastic body, but it is not recommended. Acetone will quickly remove paint but will also dull the lexan (a brand name of polycarbonate plastic).
Yes, brake fluid can be used to remove paint from an RC plastic body. However, it is important to test it on a small spot first, as it can be corrosive and caustic. It may also make the lexan brittle in some areas.
If the paint is well-bonded to the plastic, it may be difficult or impossible to remove. In this case, it is recommended to buy a replacement body rather than spending time and money on paint removal methods that may not work.
