[Tzeen Qhayshek]

Are there are good paint strippers for metal models that aren't toxic?

I have the old metal Chaos Terminators that have a nice blue coat of paint that needs to be removed...

 

[Blue Liger]

Not really most paint stripping subsatnces are toxic in one way or another, the only non toxic method is sand or the preferred(my opinion) glass blasting!

 

[KingOfCheese]

Not really most paint stripping subsatnces are toxic in one way or another, the only non toxic method is sand or the preferred(my opinion) glass blasting!

The silicon in sand from sand blasting causes cancer. Far more dangerous.

 

[solkan]

My preferred method is: Fill a jar full of undiluted general purpose cleaner like Simple Green or whatever, dropping the miniatures in for a few days, brushing off the loose paint with an electric scrubbing brush, rinse and repeat until satisfied. The electric brush saves so much time, but you'll probably want to make sure to have rechargeable batteries for it.

The most stubborn set of models that I've encountered has been this set of primed plastic bikes I picked up cheap. I don't know what the guy used to prime them, but for a lot of the bikes the primer didn't start coming off until second or third run through the soaking vats.

I know it's really late now because I'm now wondering how effective boiling and freezing metal figures would be to just crack the paint off of a metal figure. Throw the figure in boiling water for a few minutes, then throw it into the freezer. You'd think that would crack the paint off a figure. Too bad I don't have any tongs around to try it out to see if it works well.... :scratchhead:

 

[GrizBe]

A guy at my local store swears by Dettol... never tested it myself, but he says you just leave them soaking overnight and then its just a quick rinse and its done.

Also, pine oil is meant to be really good.

 

[nocturnalK]

lol, there are several threads like this, for those in the UK Dettol is the best but expensive, a very good cheap subsitute is the antiseptic disinfectant from lidls (betazone) at 55p per bottle.

Soak them over night, scrub and then repeat if required.
For metal mintures that have been undercoated in some type of solvent paint i use a 50/50 mix of paint stripper and white sprit dip for a few mins then rinse.

 

[Tzeen Qhayshek]

Thank you very much.

Now to only find a good paint stripper...

 

[Holmstrom]

Go to New Jersey and ask a deli owner to breathe on your model. That'll strip the paint clear off.

 

[Inquisitor Malaclypse]

this is the best way i've found to strip paint off any plastics and metal without damaging the model:

http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Dakka_Modeling_FAQ:_How_to_Strip...

costs about $12 for the full gallon, it is biodegradable, but wear rubber gloves. it's not toxic in the sense of fumes it produces, but as this tutorial mentions, it can cause burns.

it's also resuable, so you keep using one container of this to keep stripping models.

i found this in the Wal-Mart automtotive section. a friend of mine also use something called "Mean Green" but you have to dilute that from what i understand.

good luck.

 

[chromedog]

I just use brake fluid - but I know what I'm doing and have a disposal system for it.

Works like a charm.

Handy living in the same street as 4 mechanics.

 

[nocturnalK]

try this site, it list several options, the most recommended chemicals and what to avoid... happy reading

http://stason.org/TULARC/crafts/miniatures-painting/6-How-do-I-strip-paint-Miniatures-Painting.html

 

[ChaosSpaceMarineGuy]

I use pine-sol and a toothbrush for the stubborn spots. Usually let it soak for about6 hrs for plastics and it peels right off (basically). For metal, it should work even better.

 

[Tzeen Qhayshek]

I was under the impression that Pine-Sol doesn't work for metals.

 

[ChaosSpaceMarineGuy]

I haven't actually tried it on metal until today, so I will see how this turns out and let you know how well it works on metal.

 

[Katie Drake]

I was under the impression that Pine-Sol doesn't work for metals.

It does, just not all that well compared to some other methods. Plus it makes your models smell no matter how many times you rinse them.

 

[666JasonDark666]

I don' t know if I am doing right but I usually put metal and plastic models in a cup full of alcohol overnight and next day with a toothbrush I rub the rest of the paint away

Works for me...