Paint Strippng

vinnietwinprop · 14-09-2005

Hi Everyone,

Noobie here to your forum, though have been a guest many a time!
I need some advice from any quarters in regards to Taking Paint of a Model!
If I explain my problem all will be clear.
I have almost finished the Build of a 1/12th Scale SRN6 mk6 Hovercraft that is constructed from Balsa and ply, but mostly covered in 1/8 Birch ply! This is one of the first Balsa scale models I have attempted to paint ( my other models are all Constructed from Abs Plastics etc) and after spraying the Main strucure I realised that I did not use enough sanding sealer etc and the Grain has spoiled the finish some what. Attempting to rectify the situation is becoming desperate because I know seem to be getting a reaction between the different layers of primer/top coat when attempting to respray the effected areas!!!
Is there a way to Strip all paint off in the same way that Bodyshops do with Paintstripper that will not Harm the Balsa/Ply and adhesives! I could spend hours ( if not days with Sanding Paper but , 1; I seem to break through to the ply in certain areas whist the surronding paint stays defiant even though I am using a sanding block, 2; Because of the way of construction, ply over Balsa Assemblys/stringers I am running the risk of " Starved Horse " look where the ply deflects past the Formers when passing over with block! Ideally I would like to get back to a Fresh Canvas and learn from my mistakes! Please someone tell me thats possible!

Regards Vinnie

adzam · 14-09-2005

Hi vinnie welcome,

i have stripped a part ply and plnk hull which is a few years old, so it`s delicate , however browsing through B&Q i found a paint stripper designed for antique furniture, thisis a spray on type and is supposed to be very delicate on various woods.

unfortunately i cannot remember the name of the product , but a browse through b&q should do the trick, it stripped various layers of paint of and most of the base primer after the first couple of coats of the hull, with no untoward effects obvious.
i think if i remember rightly that you wipe it down with white spirit after cleaning up.

it`s one to have a look at anyway

cheers the now

Adz..

vinnietwinprop · 15-09-2005

Many Thanks for that Chris, I am off to have a look and if I find the name I'll post it to see if it jogs your Memory!
If any one else has any tips of any use please let us know! I cant be the first person that faces this dilema ( unless 99% of the Modellers out there got it right first time - if so, what's the secret?! )And before any one mentions it, I spent a month of Sundays on preperation! Just ask the Wifey who just lurved Balsa Dust!
I have a feeling the reaction was to do with incompatability of primers i.e; plastic primer and normal primer plus a bit of filler primer thrown in for good measure, followed by Enamel Matt spray!!!! Hence why I would love to start again!
Vinnie

P.s. NICE SUB Chris! All your own work?

adzam · 15-09-2005

no probs vinnie, i may still have the tin about , but it is designed for antique furnture as i said. so keep that in mind. What i do when painting with various types of paints is test on a scrap peice , but i only thought of this AFTER going through teh same results as you .
and yes the sub was a project from the start of this year and seems to be sailing without any problems.

let me know how you get on
Chris

vinnietwinprop · 21-09-2005

Hi Chris

First of all I would like to appolagize for asking for info. through this thread! Guess I should have read the Cat. Heading better!!
Thought I'd let you know Chris that thanks to your advice I have managed to get my "clean canvas". I found it in B&Q as you said ( though it may not be the same as you had) and it it was Nitromors Master Craftsman Paint and Varnish remover! Many thanks mate, it worked a treat!

Regards Vinnie

adzam · 21-09-2005

no probs vinnie, glad i could be of asistance

roop298 · 24-06-2006

has anyone found one that will remove gloss enamel of plastic?

**Bunkerbarge** · 24-06-2006

It depends very much on the type of plastic. Hard enamel is actually very difficult to remove without resorting to very aggressive strippers which can easily damage most plastics.

Definately try a small sample area first. You may have to go about it the hard way though and use some sort of abrasive such as Wet & Dry. If you go through the grades logically though you would be surprised at how effective it can be.

rjwood_uk · 24-06-2006

if all else fails...brake/clutch fluid!!! leave in a day or two for fully cured paint, for not fully cured a matter of hours. wash off well. carefull this stuff is carsenagenic! sand down any remainder with w&d paper.

tried and tested may i add!

i had a jar of this stuff in my room and it got nocked over and i didnt realise. It was gradually seeping out onto my laminate flooring and i now have a nice black mark and it has eaten away into a nice dip in the flooring!

so be warned!!

Desert Rat Racer · 10-01-2007

I paid over a $1,000 Australian for that piece of moderated now it sits in the corner of my den looking like it was shot down by a 10 yr old using moderated chewing gum, I've never been so disappointed in a 1/18th scale plane as I have been in this thing I'll never buy another moderated magazine build a model again from now on it's strictly plastic & paper kits or diecast cars & trucks from a real model shop.

Russell, whereas I can understand your dissapointment with such an issue we would appreciate it if you could remember that this forum is visited by many younger members and guests and as such the language used and the tone was inappropriate.