How to remove paint from plastic shells?

[Anonymous]

I want to change some road names on some plastic pieces and need to remove the old paint so I can repaint and decal. Paint removers or lacquer thinner cannot be used on plastic as it melts it. There has to be a way. I need help. Thanks.

[brianel027]

Hi F3, there are some paint removers made specifically for plastic trains. I believe Scalecoat makes one that you would brush on. But the best way is to soak the entire shell in either automotive brake fluid or PineSol brand pine cleaning fluid. Use one of those plastic boxes with a lid that you see at dollar stores, like a plastic shoe box.
Both the brake fluid and PineSol work. Both take some time, probably the brake fluid takes a little longer - in the neighborhood of 12-24 hours. I've been using the PineSol lately with good results.
When you pull the shell out from it's soak, use a tooth bru***o scrub the shell and rinse with water. If there's still some older paint that hasn't come off, you'll want to soak it a little more. If the shell is OK, you'll then want to wash it good in dish detergent and water.
After it dries, you may have to do a little light sanding if the shell has some heat stamping lines from previous lettering. Use a 200 grit to start and finish with 400-600 grit paper.
Good luck with your project.
This is always a fun part of the hobby for me.
brianel, Agent 027