Sofia Martinez
Hero Forge® custom miniatures are a rewarding experience for painters of all skill levels. Hero Forge offers a range of 3D printed materials, including Premium Plastic, which is the most paint-friendly material offered by the company. While the paint is designed to stick to the surface of the miniature and is not easily removed, there are some options for removing paint without damaging the underlying plastic. For example, while acetone will remove paint, it will also melt the plastic. A better option is to use Simple Green, a household cleaner, and an old toothbrush to remove the paint without damaging the plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint removal methods | Soaking in Simple Green, a household cleaner, for a day or so and scrubbing with an old toothbrush |
| Paint type | Acrylic |
| Primer type | Army painter primer, GW chaos black |
| Primer application | Multiple layers, heavier application to level off 3D print lines |
| Plastic type | Premium plastic, basic plastic |
| Plastic properties | Premium plastic is the most paint-friendly material, produced using an SLA printing process at 35-50 micron layer thickness, double the resolution of basic plastic |
| Bronze material | Produced using a 3D-printed master and cast using the "lost wax method", polished to a jewelry shine, includes extremely fine detail |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade the plastic
As Hero Forge miniatures are made of plastic, it is important to be cautious when removing paint from them. Many of the harsh chemicals that can effectively strip paint from a miniature can also degrade the underlying plastic material. Therefore, it is recommended to strip paint only as a last resort and to consider thinning paints and working in thin, layered coats from the start.
To avoid damaging the plastic, it is crucial to identify the type of plastic your Hero Forge miniature is made of. Different types of plastic have different sensitivities to chemicals. For instance, thinner plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic, and fiberglass may be more susceptible to harsh solvents. It is also important to identify the type of paint you are trying to remove, as different paints may require different removal methods.
When it comes to avoiding harsh chemicals, one option is to use natural or milder solvents. For example, some people have had success removing paint from plastic miniatures using Simple Green, Super Clean, or similar products. These products are less aggressive than paint thinners or lacquer thinners and are less likely to damage the plastic. However, they may not be effective for removing primer, as some users have reported.
Another option is to use mechanical methods to remove the paint without harsh chemicals. This could involve using a paint scraper or a similar tool to carefully scrape away the paint without damaging the plastic. You can also try using a soft cloth or brush soaked in soapy water or a mild cleanser to gently rub away the paint. It is important to test these methods on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not damage the plastic.
Additionally, some users have reported success with using a simple paste made from baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the painted areas and let it sit for a while before gently scrubbing it off with a soft brush or cloth. This method is less likely to damage the plastic while effectively removing paint stains and debris from grooves and indentations.
Painting Your ATV's Plastic: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Soak in Simple Green cleaner for a day
Soaking Hero Forge plastic miniatures in Simple Green cleaner for a day can be effective in removing paint. Simple Green is a non-abrasive, non-flammable, non-caustic, phosphate-free, and biodegradable cleaner that is safe for humans, animals, and the environment. It is important to note that paint is designed to stick to the surface of Hero Forge plastic miniatures and is not easily removed. Therefore, paint removal should be considered a last resort.
To remove paint from Hero Forge plastic miniatures using Simple Green, follow these steps:
- Spot test the cleaner on a small, hidden area of the miniature first to ensure it does not cause any damage.
- Prepare a solution of Simple Green and water according to the desired dilution strength:
- For heavy-duty cleaning, use full-strength Simple Green or a 1:1 dilution (equal parts Simple Green and water).
- For general-purpose cleaning, use a 1:10 dilution (1 ounce of Simple Green to 1 cup of water).
- For light cleaning, use a 1:30 dilution (1 ounce of Simple Green to 2 cups of water).
- Soak the miniature in the prepared Simple Green solution for 24 hours.
- After soaking, scrub the miniature gently if needed.
- Rinse or wipe the miniature with clean water to remove any remaining residue.
- Repeat the process if necessary until all the paint is removed.
It is important to note that, according to a user on Reddit, Simple Green may not be effective in removing primer from Hero Forge plastic miniatures. Additionally, the user reported that their miniatures became super sticky after using Simple Green, so proceed with caution and always test on a small area first.
Removing Flex Seal from Car Paint: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use a toothbrush to scrub the paint off
To remove paint from Hero Forge plastic miniatures, you can use a toothbrush to scrub the paint off. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Choose a Suitable Solvent: Before attempting to remove the paint, identify the type of paint you are dealing with. For water-based latex or acrylic paint, you can use ammonia or denatured alcohol. For oil-based paints, mineral spirits or paint thinner can be used. Always test your chosen solvent on a small, inconspicuous area of the plastic first to ensure it doesn't damage the material.
- Soak the Miniature: Place the miniature in a container and add enough solvent to completely submerge it. Let it soak for 1 to 3 hours. This will help soften the paint and make it easier to remove.
- Scrub with a Toothbrush: After soaking, remove the miniature from the solvent and use a stiff-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the paint off. Pay attention to any detailed or recessed areas, as paint may be more stubborn in those spots. Rinse the toothbrush and miniature with warm water as needed during the scrubbing process to wash away loosened paint.
- Clean and Dry: Once you've removed as much paint as possible, thoroughly clean the miniature with mild soap and warm water to remove any remaining solvent and paint residue. Use a soft cloth or sponge for this step to avoid scratching the plastic. Finally, dry the miniature with a towel or let it air dry completely before repainting or applying a new primer.
It's important to note that paint is designed to adhere strongly to the plastic surface, so complete removal may be challenging. Additionally, some harsh chemicals used for stripping paint can degrade the plastic material. Therefore, always test your chosen method on a small area first and consider paint removal as a last resort. Thinning paints and working in thin, layered coats from the beginning can help avoid the need for aggressive stripping techniques.
Painting Plastic Boxes: A Fun Kid-Friendly Project
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Avoid acetone or nail polish remover
Hero Forge's plastic miniatures come pre-primed in a matte grey primer, which is a suitable base coat for both light and dark colour schemes. The Premium Plastic material offers the highest physical detail and fidelity to your original design.
While paint is not designed to be easily removed from these miniatures, there are certain harsh chemicals that can be used to strip paint from a miniature. However, many of these chemicals can also degrade the underlying plastic material. Therefore, it is recommended to only strip paint as a last resort.
One such harsh chemical is acetone, which is a common ingredient in nail polish removers. While acetone is effective at quickly breaking apart and removing substances like nail polish, it is toxic and can be dangerous if ingested. It can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause coughing. If exposed to a high concentration of acetone, one may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. In serious cases, one could even pass out or face fatal consequences.
Additionally, acetone is highly flammable, so it should not be used near open flames or heat sources. If acetone-based nail polish remover comes into contact with your skin, it is important to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Any contaminated clothing should be removed and washed immediately.
Due to the potential health and safety risks associated with acetone, it is advisable to avoid using nail polish removers or other products containing acetone to strip paint from Hero Forge plastic miniatures. Instead, consider thinning paints and working with thin, layered coats to avoid the need for paint removal.
Spray Painting Plastics: Achieving a Chrome Finish with Spray Paint
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Thinning paints before application makes removal easier
Thinning paints before application is a common practice that offers several benefits and makes paint removal easier. Hero Forge recommends thinning paints and working with thin, layered coats, especially if you are new to the technique.
Thinning paint helps to preserve the intricate details of the miniature. A thick layer of paint can obscure the fine details, resulting in a "flat" look. It can also lead to an uneven application, with some areas receiving more paint than others. By thinning the paint and applying it in multiple thin layers, you can better control the paint's coverage and maintain the model's intricate details.
Additionally, thinning paint can enhance the final colour and shade transitions. With thinner layers, you can create a lighter or darker shade by adjusting the number of layers. You can even introduce a different colour as the first or last layer, expanding your colour options without needing a wide range of paints.
Thinning paint is also beneficial for the paintbrushes themselves. Thick paint is harder to manage and can damage the brush. Thinner paint is easier to work with and allows for a smoother application, reducing the risk of brush damage.
Moreover, thinning paint can prevent unsightly cracks in the finished product. Thick, undiluted paint can lead to cracking once it dries, requiring you to strip the paint and start over. Thinning the paint helps to avoid this issue and makes it easier to remove if needed.
While thinning paint has its advantages, it's important to note that different techniques require different levels of dilution. Experimentation is key to finding the right ratio for your specific project. Hero Forge recommends a 1:3 or 1:5 paint-to-water ratio as a starting point, but you may need to adjust based on your chosen technique and personal style.
Sealing Acrylic Paint on Plastic: Best Practices
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Hero Forge recommends thinning your paints and working in thin, layered coats rather than stripping paint, as harsh chemicals can degrade the underlying plastic. However, if you want to remove paint, some options include Simple Green, LA's Totally Awesome, and Super Clean. Soak the miniature in the cleaner for a day, then use an old toothbrush to remove the remaining paint.
Acetone is likely to damage your plastic miniature. It is the same chemical found in nail polish remover and can make plastic look like it has been attacked by acid.
Simple Green is an effective cleaner for removing paint from Hero Forge plastic miniatures, but it does not seem to work on primer.
Soaking the miniature in a cleaner like Simple Green, LA's Totally Awesome, or Super Clean, then using an old toothbrush to scrub off remaining paint is one effective method. Another option is to use a product designed to work on plastic models, which can be found at a model shop.
