At work, we use a combination of Lectric Shave and Magic Erasers to remove paint harmlessly from plastic. Soaking the plastic for a few minutes in Lectric Shave is enough to remove the paint without affecting the plastic.
Mind you, having seen the MSDS chart on the stuff, I wouldn't use it for SHAVING...
-MMM-
After reading your negative experiences, I'm almost sorry to have recommended brake fluid. It was suggested to me by a hobby dealer years ago, after I had ruined a model trying to remove paint with Lysol, based on information from a train magazine. I've since used brake fluid on other makes but never on MTH.
Perhaps the best suggestion is to experiment first with some objects that are expendable before you use a cleaner on anything of value.
For what it's worth, I had a bad experience with brake fluid on an MTH shell. As I scrubbed the paint after soaking, the shell cracked and the crumbled in my hands. I was only using a toothbrush BUT I soaked it for 5DAYS at least. It was a McDonalds F-40 of a couple of years ago and that MTH paint wouldn't budge.
Yes, I have used brake fluid before but I didn't soak it for too long.
AF
A long way from Long Island......Now in West Virginia.
www.artieslioneltrains.com
Plain old automobile brake fluid works well for me. I've used it both on HO and O gauge plastic models. I use a clean tin can and submerge the model overnight, then wash it all off with face soap and a soft paint brush. A can of brake fluid costs about 3 bucks, but it is only good for one application. It doesn't harm plastic.
As with the above advice, be sure the model is clean and dry before you repaint it with a paint of your choice. Good luck.
The best stuff I have found to remove paint is "Castrol-Super Clean" which comes in a purple container. It will dissolve the paint in about an hour of soaking at full strength, and won't hurt the plastic. After the paint is removed, wash with soap and water, and dry thoroughly before attempting to repaint. For paint, I use Krylon spray paint cans, which dries very fast. Just have to take your time with applying coats.
Greetings all,
I have an 8706 plastic tender shell I would like to paint however I did not prep it and totally screwed it up. Any advice on how I can strip the paint and get it ready for a repaint since it is a plastic shell? I have the chassis and whistle assembly from a 6026W it will work on and just want it to look respectable. Thanks in advance for any advice!
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