H.O.W. TO: Strip models safely

Stripping minis for fun and profit.

Hate the paint scheme you started? Bought some used models online with terrible paint jobs? We can fix that.

Whatever reason you have to strip your models, there's a simple way to strip the paint without harming the model, and we'll show you how.

The secret is this.

Super Clean. Sometimes called Purple Power, is available at most chain stores like Target, Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes. It's an industrial cleaner / degreaser that works like a charm.

The primary reason why this is the best way to strip models is simple; super clean will not, and CANNOT harm your plastic models. No matter how long you leave them dipped, the plastic will be totally unaffected. (metal too, of course) (This WILL, however, dissolve super glue bonds)

PREPARATION

Although this stuff won't harm the models, it CAN harm you. You'll need a few things to do this properly.

Heavy rubber gloves. You can get these at the dollar store. You want the reusable kitchen kind, shown here, and NOT thin latex gloves. The cleaner isn't acid, but it will damage your skin with exposure, causing it to dry out and crack, especially around the fingernails.

Plastic containers with lids. While you're at the dollar store getting the gloves, you'll need an assortment of these. Doing a single model? A whole squad? An ENTIRE ARMY? *ahem*, you'll need these to hold the cleaner and store the models while they soak.

Cheap toothbrushes. You guessed it; we're gonna get these at the dollar store.

WEAR EYE PROTECTION. I know it's square, but your chemlab teacher was right. Unless you have an industrial eye wash station in your house, make sure an errant splash doesn't get in your eyes. Later in the process, we'll be scrubbing and rinsing the models, and this stuff gets EVERYWHERE.

Also, wear shitty clothes. Seriously, when we're scrubbing later on, you'll get some on you at some point.

SOAKING

Pour the Super Clean into the container.FIRST. If you put the models in first, then pour the cleaner, it is likely to splash EVERYWHERE. Trust me.

Add the models to the cleaner carefully. Make sure all the models are fully submerged. If you need more cleaner, pour it in slowly to reduce splashing.

Close the lid and let sit for at least 48 hours. The longer the model soaks, the easier the paint will come off. Remember, the cleaner will not harm the plastic no matter how long it soaks. I've left models for months. The marines pictured above were actually forgotten, and have soaked over a year.

STRIPPING

Once the models have soaked, it's time to strip off the paint. You'll need to be near a sink, and it's best to lay down paper towels on your countertop, as brushing will cause splatter.

Simply remove the model from the container and run it under WARM (not hot) water. If the model has soaked long enough, the majority of the paint will have come off in the container, or will slide off now. What remains can be brushed off. It's a good idea to use a mesh stopper or strainer, to make sure no small bits are lost down the drain.

Take your cheap toothbrush, dip it in the cleaner and gently scrub the surface of the model, being sure to get into the recesses and details, and the remainder of the paint will come off. Note that on rare occasion, if the model was primed with an aerosol paint, it can stain the surface of the plastic. The paint WILL come off, but the plastic itself will have taken on its color properties.

Brushing too hard or too long will scuff the surface of the mini, giving it a matte finish, but shouldn't do any real damage. Rinse the model under cold running water and place on a paper towel to dry.

CLEANUP

If you've stripped only a few models and the super clean retains its purple color, you can reuse it. Simply pour it back into the bottle using a funnel and strainer. (also purchased at the dollar store)

And that's it. The models are ready to be repainted!

-trip