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Got some assembled minis in trade recently and debating about repositioning some pieces/limbs on some of them. Is there a straightforward way to dissolve the bond of superglue? I have a vague memory of reading something a long time ago about using acetone or nail polish remover but not really sure. Any and all advice short of hacksaws and lasers appreciated. Thanks.

Jason

If they're PLASTICS or have plastic pieces, this advice should be ignored.

As you said, acetone or nail polish remover will dissolve it right up.
I've also heard that many of the paint dissolving agents (Superclean, brake fluid, etc) that people use will also dissolve it.

If it's metal, though... and not pinned... why not just pull it apart?


Eric

i've found glue bonds are easy to break if you soak the model in some simple green a few days, i've also heard that sticking the models in the freezer for a while will weaken the glue bond.

Greenskin Lynn wrote:i've found glue bonds are easy to break if you soak the model in some simple green a few days.

I was going to suggest the same thing, Depends on the type of superglue used but a Simple Green bath tends to weaken many types of superglue so that they come appart easier. I want to mention that it only works on some types. I've soaked models for a few days and have it do absolutely nothing to the glue.

If they are metal models.. take em to a local store and let the kids there play with them for an hour..

(or use Acetone Nail Polish Remover)

Plastics.. try the freezer method..

-Porkuslime

If you have an actual hobby store (not a gaming store per say) near you you can get an actual super glue debonder.

Several companies make them, depending on the laws where you live they may be near or behind the register.

Thank you,

Better make sure it is superglue. If it was plastic glue (PVC) then no amount of solvents will help.

The miniatures involved are metal so if plastic glue had been used I should have been able to more or less just pop them off. What I'm NOT sure about is whether they were done with super glue or epoxy. I think I'll try the acetone/nail polish remover and see how that goes.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

Jason

TSidhe96 wrote:The miniatures involved are metal so if plastic glue had been used I should have been able to more or less just pop them off. What I'm NOT sure about is whether they were done with super glue or epoxy. I think I'll try the acetone/nail polish remover and see how that goes.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

Jason

Is plastic glue was used, they'd have never adhered.
Plastic 'glue" isn't a glue, in actuality. It's a chemical. It melts the plastic a bit then, when the plastic reforms... POW. bonded.

Nail polish is a quick and easy solution. Just drop the model in, seal the container, and let it go. You'll come back a few hours later to a model in pieces.


Eric

MagickalMemories wrote: Is plastic glue was used, they'd have never adhered.
Plastic 'glue" isn't a glue, in actuality. It's a chemical. It melts the plastic a bit then, when the plastic reforms... POW. bonded.

Nail polish remover is a quick and easy solution. Just drop the model in, seal the container, and let it go. You'll come back a few hours later to a model in pieces.


Eric

Fixed it.

F***

One of these days, I'll remember to proof read.

Thanks, IH.

LOL Dip it in finger nail polish.
Classic.

Eric

(Actually, in the case of the above, I had a crying 2 year old that needed attention, so I was working too fast. Same result, thoug.)

I don't get the argument for not using acetone(or non-acetone, if thats all you got) remover on plastics.

Yes, Dumping them into a bucket of nail polish remover and leaving them there like it's simple green is a fantastically bad idea. Yeah it will soften them, and even do nastier things as well if left in there long enough(I Got a Plastic SM with a pterodactyl on his chest instead of a eagle ) But if you can't use nail polish remover without the threat of destroying the models completely, Hardware stores across the country(and other countries as well, i've heard) sell hammers. That will unbond it.

Simple green won't dissolve superglue like NPR, just weaken the bond so that a good nudge will break it free. still have to scrape it off the surfaces tho.


Note: This wasn't particularly aimed at any one person, just a general "why?" type moment.

To be honest I usually just cut them apart and only use SG if I'm also stripping. Metals should simply just "snap" apart if you put pressure on just the right spot (small screwdriver acting as a lever).
For plastics things get all fussed up when trying to dissolve glue anyway and ususllay have to scrape a bit here and there. That is what Greenstuff if for. It also allows you a reason for you to make some model conversions.

DFMalivek wrote:I don't get the argument for not using acetone(or non-acetone, if thats all you got) remover on plastics.

Yes, Dumping them into a bucket of nail polish remover and leaving them there like it's simple green is a fantastically bad idea. Yeah it will soften them, and even do nastier things as well if left in there long enough(I Got a Plastic SM with a pterodactyl on his chest instead of a eagle ) But if you can't use nail polish remover without the threat of destroying the models completely, Hardware stores across the country(and other countries as well, i've heard) sell hammers. That will unbond it.

Simple green won't dissolve superglue like NPR, just weaken the bond so that a good nudge will break it free. still have to scrape it off the surfaces tho.


Note: This wasn't particularly aimed at any one person, just a general "why?" type moment.

Because a majority of people tend to forget they have things soaking. Even if you forget about them, simple green won't melt or disfigure the plastic.

Ironhide wrote:

DFMalivek wrote:I don't get the argument for not using acetone(or non-acetone, if thats all you got) remover on plastics.

Yes, Dumping them into a bucket of nail polish remover and leaving them there like it's simple green is a fantastically bad idea. Yeah it will soften them, and even do nastier things as well if left in there long enough(I Got a Plastic SM with a pterodactyl on his chest instead of a eagle ) But if you can't use nail polish remover without the threat of destroying the models completely, Hardware stores across the country(and other countries as well, i've heard) sell hammers. That will unbond it.

Simple green won't dissolve superglue like NPR, just weaken the bond so that a good nudge will break it free. still have to scrape it off the surfaces tho.


Note: This wasn't particularly aimed at any one person, just a general "why?" type moment.

Because a majority of people tend to forget they have things soaking. Even if you forget about them, simple green won't melt or disfigure the plastic.

I agree wholeheartedly, I went to strip my deathwing termies, and forgot there was a bunch of D&D mini's in the bucket of simplegreen myself.

I was just commenting on the "don't use nail polish remover" instead of something like "Use caution" when trying to seperate pieces.