Federation Commander

Hi, I have some old mini's that I need to strip the paint off of. I've used Jasco paint stripper in the past.

1. It eats the paint off almost immediately
2. Even with rubber gloves it causes my skin to tingle/burn

I need to find something that's a bit less toxic to soak the paint off. I'm sure at least one person here can help. I think simple green was mentioned in the past but can't remember.

Tom: I use Easy OFF! brand oven cleaner. I have an old stainless steel bowl I found at a yard sale, drop in the mini, shoot it with Easy OFF andwalk away for an hour or two... of course, due to the fumes - this should be done outside.

It's cheap, easy (off), and readily available.

Yes, given enough time undiluted Simple Green will strip most paint. It works best on acrylic and recent paint. It often isn't enough against enamel that's had a few years to cure.

What about acetone for metal minis? I seem to recall a past post about that.

Not sure about acetone - but I've used methyl-ethyl ketone to strip paint from metal minis in the past; although, again - I now use plain old, lemon scented Easy OFF! even for metal minis.

It's strong enough to remove the paint, but even if I get busy and leave a styrene [that's plastic... ] Federation Heavy Cruiser in for 24+ hours - it's still a whole mini when I remove it...

not that I've ever done that...

Obviously, one would not use these techniques on the PLASTIC minis!

I have some easy off in the garage I use to clean the BBQ. I'll use that on the few I need to strip.

Simple green works just fine on plastics (I've left things in for weeks before), but I would advise no more than 4 or 5 days at the most.

JASCO will eat plastic for lunch.

All the stuff I need to strip are lead (Kryomek and a few FC ships) so I'll give the easy off a shot. I don't have any plastic ships so having them melt won't be an issue.

Just use PineSol cleaner. Soak it in there for like 24 hours and then use a toothbrush and water or whatever to get the paint off.

Sgt_G wrote:Obviously, one would not use these techniques on the PLASTIC minis!

Actually, Garth - I do use Easy OFF on the plastic minis. Never had a problem before...

What do UK-based painting gurus suggest for stripping miniatures? I don't think I've ever seen Easy OFF in our shops.

Also, what works well on coated miniatures? Any suggestions greatfully received.

I use dot 3 break fluid to strip the paint off my minis(plastic and metal).

Starfury wrote:I have some easy off in the garage I use to clean the BBQ.

Wait, wait, wait ...

You actually clean your BBQ!? Really?

I just turn it up to full blast and close the lid for a few minutes, and char the remains. Next time a little wire brushing to knock off any remaining chars, and I'm good to go!

I like your style, Mike... that sounds like the way I clean my grill.