How to Strip Paint Off a Resin Model Kit
The paint on resin model kits may crack or peel over time, or owners may simply desire a different look. It is possible to simply cover the existing paint job, but thick paint obscures details on the sculpture. You can employ numerous methods to strip the paint off resin kits. Most of them involve using chemicals to loosen the paint and then scrubbing off what does not slip off on its own. Degreasers and over cleaners will generally remove enough paint to make it possible to repaint the model kit without visible flaws from older paint that you could not remove.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection
- Toothbrushes
- Degreaser, gallon jug or larger, depending on model size
- Plastic container large enough to submerge model
- Fume-free oven cleaner (optional)
- Plastic bag large enough to hold model (optional)
- Hobby knife or dental tool
- Dish soap
Instructions
-
-
1
If the paint is flaking, scrub the dry model with a toothbrush to remove loose material.
-
2
Pour the degreaser into the plastic container. Carefully submerge the model in the degreaser and allow it to soak about 24 hours.
-
-
3
Remove the model from the degreaser and scrub any paint off with a toothbrush. Use warm water to help remove paint while scrubbing. Continue until you have removed the paint or scrubbing ceases to be effective.
-
4
If necessary, repeat steps 1 and 2 to remove more paint. Continue until you have removed as much paint as possible.
-
5
For stubborn paint, spray fume-free oven cleaner on the model and seal it in a plastic bag. Leave for 30 to 60 minutes and then scrub off paint with a toothbrush.
-
6
Pick and scrape off paint flecks with a hobby knife or dental tool.
-
7
Wash the model kit with dish soap and warm water. Allow to dry thoroughly before repainting.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If the plastic container is not large enough to submerge the entire model, soak parts of the model at a time. The degreaser is unlikely to damage the model unless you soak it excessively.
Always wear rubber gloves and eye protection.
Children should not strip the paint off resin model kits without proper protective clothing and close supervision by an adult.
Do not use metal containers for soaking. Degreasers can eat through them.
Dispose of or store chemicals according to instructions on the packaging.
Particularly stubborn paint jobs may require extremely powerful solvents to remove all the paint.
