Removing factory paint.

[mgruber]

I've recently purchased a cheap Bachmann Santa Fe caboose and want to remove the heralds and numbers so I could modify it into a CB&Q steel waycar. Any ideas on how to do this. Thanks in advance ,Mike

[rolleiman]

Just the lettering? Try a stiff eraser.. You can use pencil erasers too but they may not last the job.. A typewriter eraser (if you can still buy them) works best.. There are chemical solutions too such as PolyScale Easy Lift Off or generic brake fluid.. Both of these may attack the plastic if left too long and will likely strip the paint off of the area too.. I've also seen people recommend 91% rubbing alcohol but I've never tried it. Other products too but that should give you a list of options to choose from and try..

Good luck,
Jeff

[dano99a]

91% rubbing alcohol-

Works very well in fact I wouldn't use anything else, just fill a small and long piece of tupperware (buy one, don't use your wife's or you in for it, trust me [:)]) Let the shell soak in the alcohol for about 15 minutes to half hour just depends on the manufacturer. Plus have an old tooth brush handy to get in those small detail areas, paint will usually be slightly thicker there. The paint will come right off and fast and will not harm the plastic unless you let it sit there forever, then I'm sure it eventually would.

Please note that it will remove ALL factory paint so if your just trying to remove letters and heralds I'd go the eraser route.

Happy modeling

[Anonymous]

I have used pinesol to remove paint, just like dano99a does it. It is kinda messy though.

Glenn