Paint removal advice

Simon Glidewell

Western Thunderer
Hello folks,

What products are best for stripping paint safely from plastic (resin and etched brass too) loco bodies, apart from brake fluid? I've heard that Vim works, but as I live in France you can't buy it here.

Many thanks
Simon
 

Heather Kay

Western Thunderer
I've had excellent results with Pheonix Precision's own brand paint stripper, but whether it'll be possible to ship to France I can't tell. It's essentially isopropyl alcohol, so if you can get some of that it might be worth a try.

Personally, I'd steer clear of anything aggressively abrasive. When I think of Vim, I think the old scouring powder that used to come in a cardboard tube and perforated metal end!

I've also heard a dunk in cellulose thinners works. I've used it to shift celly paint off JLTRT coach sides, so I know it doesn't damage that maker's resin.
 

ceejaydee

Western Thunderer
Another vote for Modelstrip for plastic from me.

For metal you could try Dettol (Soak) and I've also had success with Fairy Powerspray but I think that they have changed the the formula now making it less effective.
 

mth

Western Thunderer
I've also heard a dunk in cellulose thinners works. I've used it to shift celly paint off JLTRT coach sides, so I know it doesn't damage that maker's resin.

I used cellulose thinners on 2 loco's, it works on the paint but it also affected the poxey-resen that held them together. :(
After repainting both loco's fell apart.
 
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