Sofia Martinez
Removing paint from plastic fairings can be a tricky task, as the wrong product or technique can damage the plastic or the original finish. Some methods include using brake fluid, paint strippers, or natural oils. Brake fluid has been known to be successful in removing paint without damaging the plastic, but it is important to use a soft-bristled brush and solvent-resistant gloves, and to work in a well-ventilated area. Paint strippers such as Klean Strip Aircraft Paint Remover are designed for use on flexible plastics, but it can be difficult to find. Natural oils such as eucalyptus oil can also be used to soften paint for easier removal, but this method may not be suitable for older paint jobs.
How to strip paint from plastic fairings
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brake fluid | Can be used to strip paint from plastic, but may damage the plastic. Use a soft-bristled brush for stubborn areas and clean with hot water and soap. |
| Sanding | A time-consuming method, but can be effective when used with the correct grit. 80-120 grit is too harsh and will damage the plastic. 400 grit is recommended. |
| Paint stripper | Citrus-based strippers are safe but slow and weak. Toxic strippers are effective but should be followed by sanding and multiple coats of paint. |
| Oils | Cooking oils, motor oils, and WD-40 can soften paint for easier removal. |
| Eco-safe stripper | Can remove 30 coats of paint but works slowly. |
| Citrus-based gel paint removers | These are slow and safer to use. |
| Eucalyptus oil | This can be added to laundry to kill dust mites. |
| Goo Gone | A product that can be used with a soft scrub pad to remove paint without damaging plastic. |
| Pressure washer | Can be used to remove paint, especially if the paint can be lifted with your nails. |
| Paste wax with carnauba | Can dissolve fresh spray paint. |
| Klean Strip Aircraft Paint Remover | A product designed to remove paint from flexible plastic. |
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What You'll Learn
Using brake fluid
Brake fluid can be used as an alternative to paint stripper to remove paint from plastic fairings. It is a good option for small objects as it loosens the paint, breaking down the adhesion between the paint and the surface. This method is commonly used in the wargaming and modelling community.
To strip paint from plastic fairings using brake fluid, first, wash the surface with mild liquid soap and warm water to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel. Next, pour the brake fluid into a glass jar that is large enough to fully submerge the fairing. Ensure you are wearing rubber gloves and old clothes, and are working in a well-ventilated area as brake fluid is a caustic chemical. Submerge the fairing in the jar and leave it to soak for an extended period. The length of time will depend on the thickness of the paint and the type of plastic, but it can take up to overnight or even longer.
After soaking, scrub the fairing with a soft-bristled brush and hot water and soap to remove the loosened paint. If there is still paint remaining, submerge the fairing in the brake fluid again for an additional 12 hours, then repeat the scrubbing process. It is important to note that brake fluid can cause softening in some types of plastic, so it is recommended to test the fluid on a small section of the plastic before beginning the stripping process. If the plastic becomes soft or the fluid causes the colour to lift, do not proceed with this method.
Once the paint has been removed, clean the fairing thoroughly with soap and water to remove any remaining brake fluid residue. You can also run the fairing through a dishwasher cycle to ensure all the fluid is removed. Finally, dispose of the brake fluid according to waste disposal regulations and do not pour it down a drain.
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Sanding
Before you begin, it is important to clean the fairings and remove any stickers or residue. This will ensure that the sanding process is more effective and helps create an appropriate surface for the primer and paint to adhere to.
When sanding, it is recommended to use fine-grit sandpaper, such as 400-grit or higher. Start with a light sanding, using circular motions and applying moderate pressure. You can do this by hand or use an electric sander, being careful not to damage the plastic. If using an electric sander, opt for a palm-held DA sander with a soft backing pad, and avoid using a higher grit, as this can dig too deep and damage the plastic.
Wet sanding is another technique you can use. This involves wetting the sandpaper or the surface of the fairing and then sanding as usual. Wet sanding creates a smooth and shiny texture, perfect for achieving a good finish. It is important to remove all excess water and plastic particles after wet sanding.
After sanding, you can apply a plastic primer to the entire surface of the fairings. This will help the new paint adhere better and create a more durable finish.
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Paint strippers
Citrus-based paint strippers, for instance, are considered safe but may be slow and weak for thick layers of paint. On the other hand, toxic paint strippers are strong but can be dangerous if not handled properly. Before applying any paint stripper, it is crucial to test it on a small area to ensure it does not harm the plastic surface.
One common paint stripper that people have used is brake fluid. It is reported to effectively remove paint without damaging plastic body parts. To use this method, create a form-fitting "bowl" with aluminium foil to minimise fluid usage and maintain full coverage. Let the brake fluid sit overnight, and most of the paint should slide right off. For stubborn spots, use a soft-bristle brush and solvent-resistant gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area due to the strong chemical smell. A thorough scrub with hot water and soap will remove any remaining residue.
Other methods for stripping paint from plastic fairings include using acetone, eucalyptus oil, or cooking oils. However, acetone can damage plastic, so it is recommended to start with low-impact solvents and work towards stronger ones if necessary. Always wear gloves, eye protection, and a respirator when working with paint strippers to ensure safety.
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Oils
To start, you will need to identify the type of paint you are trying to remove. This is important because different types of paint will require different types of oils or solvents to remove them effectively. Once you have identified the type of paint, you can choose the appropriate oil or solvent.
If you are dealing with oil-based paints, you can use mineral spirits or paint thinner. These solvents are effective at breaking down the oils in the paint, making it easier to remove. However, it is important to be cautious when using these solvents as they can be toxic and may damage certain types of plastic. Always test the solvent on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage the plastic.
For latex or water-based paints, vegetable oil, eucalyptus oil, or olive oil can be used. These oils will soften the paint, making it easier to scrape off. To use this method, coat the painted surface with the oil and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then try scraping the paint off with a plastic scraper or your fingernail. If the paint is still not coming off easily, you can let it soak for a bit longer or use a softer brush to gently scrub the area.
Additionally, you can use 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove oil-based paints from plastic. This method is gentle and effective, simply soak the painted area in the alcohol and let it sit overnight. The next day, scrub the area with a toothbrush to remove the paint.
When working with any type of oil or solvent, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Additionally, be sure to test the oil or solvent on a small area first to ensure it does not damage the plastic.
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Pressure washing
Firstly, select a pressure washer with a range of 2,000 PSI to 4,000 PSI, as this will provide the most effective power for paint removal. Always wear safety gear, including safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, to protect yourself from any debris or chemicals. Review the startup and shutdown procedures for your pressure washer before beginning, and ensure you are using the correct nozzle to avoid damaging the surface. The recommended nozzle for this task is the yellow 15-degree nozzle.
Prepare the area by covering any fixtures and ensuring all windows and doors are shut. Hold the gun and wand firmly at an angle, maintaining a distance of approximately 12 to 18 inches from the surface. If the paint is particularly stubborn, you may want to try spraying some "goo gone" or brake fluid onto the area and letting it soak before pressure washing. However, be cautious when using these chemicals, as they may damage the plastic if not used properly.
Once you have completed pressure washing, you may need to scrape or lightly sand any loose paint that remains. Depending on the surface type, you may need to wait several days before repainting. Always clean the surface thoroughly with soap and water after using chemicals to remove any residue and prevent future paint issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Some methods to strip paint from plastic fairings include using brake fluid, a light sandblaster, paint stripper, or mineral spirits.
Some products that can be used to strip paint from plastic fairings include Klean Strip Aircraft Paint Remover, Citristrip, Goo Gone, and Paste Wax with carnauba.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when stripping paint from plastic fairings:
- Always do a test spot to ensure the solvent does not harm the plastic underneath.
- Use a tool that will not scratch the substrate to scrape off as much paint as possible.
- Try using cooking oils, motor oils, or WD-40 if the paint has recently dried.
- Clean thoroughly with soap and water after using brake fluid to remove any residue.
