Maya Ellison
If you're looking to strip paint from Games Workshop plastic miniatures, there are a few methods you can try. Some people recommend using a paint stripper like Biostrip 20, which requires full submersion of the miniature and can take around 6 hours to work. After removing the miniature from the stripper, you can use a toothbrush to scrub off the remaining paint. Another option is to use a product like Super Clean Degreaser, which also involves submerging the miniature and then scrubbing with a toothbrush. If you're looking for a more natural solution, you can try using denatured alcohol, which is safe for plastic miniatures and can be used by soaking the miniature in the alcohol for an hour or more and then scrubbing with a toothbrush. It's important to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using these products, as they can be harsh on the skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint stripper | Biostrip 20, IPA, Super Clean Degreaser, Denatured Alcohol |
| Soak time | 20 minutes-6 hours, or overnight |
| Scrubbing tools | Toothbrush, pipe cleaners, toothpick |
| Safety precautions | Wear gloves, ensure good ventilation, avoid breathing in fumes |
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Use paint stripper
Paint stripper is an effective way to remove paint from Games Workshop plastic models. There are several types of paint strippers available, including Biostrip 20, which is non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-caustic. It is important to work in small batches when using paint strippers, as the chemicals can be harsh and hazardous.
When using a paint stripper, it is crucial to fully submerge the models in the stripper solution. The duration for which the models need to be soaked depends on the type of paint stripper and the material of the models. For Biostrip 20, for example, the recommended time is around 6 hours. It is also suggested to wear gloves when handling models that have been in contact with paint stripper, as it can weaken the glue and cause small parts to come loose.
After the recommended duration, remove the models from the paint stripper and rinse them under warm water. This will help to remove any excess paint stripper. Then, use a toothbrush or another type of cleaning brush to gently scrub the model. The paint should start to peel away immediately. If the paint is stubborn, the model may need to be soaked in the paint stripper for a little longer.
IPA (isopropyl alcohol) is another paint stripper that can be used to remove paint from Games Workshop plastic models. It is a good option for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals, as it is a common household item that also disinfects. When using IPA, it is recommended to work in 20-minute intervals, and to avoid leaving plastic models soaking in the solution.
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Soak in IPA
Soaking Games Workshop plastic miniatures in IPA (isopropyl alcohol) is an effective way to strip paint without damaging the plastic. IPA is a paint stripper that is safe to use on plastic and metal miniatures, but it can make resin softer. It is also a good cleaner and disinfectant.
When using IPA to strip paint, it is important to work in 20-minute intervals and not leave the miniatures soaking for extended periods. While IPA is generally safe for Games Workshop minis, longer exposure may cause harm. A few hours should be enough to strip the paint, but the process may need to be repeated for thick layers of paint.
To start, prepare a bath of IPA and place the miniature in it for 20 minutes. Then, use a brush or pipe cleaners to gently scrub the paint away. If necessary, return the miniature to the IPA bath for another 20 minutes and scrub again until all the paint is removed.
It is important to note that IPA may not be as effective for removing certain types of paint, such as polyurethane primers. Additionally, it is recommended to use pure IPA without acetone, as acetone can melt plastic. Always exercise caution and test on a small area first to ensure the IPA does not damage the miniature.
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Scrub with a toothbrush
Scrubbing with a toothbrush is an effective way to strip paint from Games Workshop plastic models. This method is often used in conjunction with a paint stripper, such as Biostrip 20, IPA, or Super Clean Degreaser, to speed up the process.
First, it is important to fully submerge the model in the paint stripper, ensuring that the stripper comes into contact with all painted areas. The duration for which the model needs to soak depends on the type of paint stripper used and the material of the model. For example, Biostrip 20 typically requires about 6 hours, while denatured alcohol may require an hour or more, depending on how much paint is on the model.
Once the model has soaked for the appropriate amount of time, it can be removed from the paint stripper and rinsed with warm water. Then, using an unused toothbrush, gently scrub the model. The paint should start to peel away immediately. If the paint is not coming off easily, the model may need to be soaked in the paint stripper for a little longer.
It is important to wear gloves when handling models that have been treated with paint stripper to protect your hands. Additionally, some paint strippers, such as Super Clean Degreaser, should be used in a well-ventilated area to avoid the risk of chemical burns.
For harder-to-reach areas on the model, a toothpick can be used to scrape away any remaining paint after scrubbing with the toothbrush. This process may need to be repeated until all the paint has been removed from the model.
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Wear gloves
It is important to wear gloves when stripping paint from Games Workshop plastic models to protect your hands from harmful chemicals and to keep your fingers clean. Some paint stripping solutions, such as Simple Green, are safe to handle with your bare hands and will not burn your skin with prolonged contact. However, it is still recommended to wear protection when using this product. Other solutions, like Purple Power, are more potent and require the use of gloves to protect your skin.
When working with toxic chemicals, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to avoid skin irritation or absorption. Nitrile gloves are a good option to protect your hands, but be aware that sharp parts on the miniatures can pierce the gloves. Latex gloves are also an option, but they may not provide sufficient protection against certain chemicals. It is also recommended to wear an airbrush face mask to avoid inhalation of fumes.
If you are using a stripping solution that is safe for skin contact, such as Simple Green, you may choose to forgo gloves. However, keep in mind that you should still work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Some people also choose to use household products like Dettol to strip paint, which is generally safe to use without gloves, but it is always a good idea to protect your hands.
In addition to gloves, it is recommended to wear eye protection when stripping paint. As you work, small drops of chemicals can fly around and come into contact with your eyes. It is also a good idea to work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to minimize the inhalation of fumes.
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Rinse with water
Rinsing with water is an important step in the paint-stripping process. It helps to remove any excess paint stripper and leftover paint residue. Ideally, you should use warm water, as this will be more effective at dissolving any remaining paint stripper and paint.
Before rinsing, make sure you have a suitable workstation set up. Do not work over an open drain, as small parts of your model are likely to come off during the cleaning process, and you don't want these going down the sink. It's also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from the harsh chemicals in the paint stripper.
When you're ready to rinse, hold your model under the warm water and let the water run over it for a few seconds. Then, take an unused, soft-bristled toothbrush and start gently scrubbing the model. The paint should start to peel away. If the paint isn't coming off easily, you may need to submerge the model back into the paint stripper for a little longer.
Continue to alternate between rinsing and scrubbing until the paint is completely gone. You can use a toothpick to get into any hard-to-reach areas and scrape away any remaining paint. Finally, leave the model to dry, and most of the paint should now be removed.
Rinsing with water is a crucial step to ensure that all traces of the paint stripper are removed, and your model is ready for repainting.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to strip paint from Games Workshop plastic models. One way is to submerge the model in a paint stripper such as Biostrip 20 or Super Clean Degreaser for around 6 hours, then use a toothbrush to scrub off the remaining paint. Another method is to soak the model in denatured alcohol for an hour or more, then scrub with a toothbrush.
After using a paint stripper, rinse the model under warm water and gently scrub it with a toothbrush. The paint should start to peel away immediately. For harder-to-reach areas, use a toothpick to remove any remaining paint.
Yes, it is important to wear gloves when handling a model that has been in paint stripper, as it can be harsh on the skin. It is also recommended to work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing in any fumes. Additionally, paint strippers can weaken the glue on a model, so small parts may come off during the cleaning process.
