Simple Green & glue removal, other paint removal/glue id

[npd_bigdaddy]

Ok, I have a bunch of CSM that I think I'm going to unload. I was debating on stripping the ones that are somewhat painted with Simple Green (plastics) but I also noticed that some of the assembly is less than to be desired, so I wouldn't mind if it took the glue off too so I could reassemble them correctly.

So does Simple Green work for glue removal, if not, what does?

Furthermore, I have heard good things about Simple Green and plastic paint stripping, but is there anything out there that you all recommend as I haven't found a good paint removal from plastic. Then again, my experience is limited, I haven't experimented much.

Any comments/ideas?

Erik

[Lord Alaric]

A friend of mine swears by oven cleaner...says it takes off the glue as well as paint. I have heard him say that it does take a bit of time for the glue. I have never tried it,so I can't verify.

Hope it helps.

[npd_bigdaddy]

I've heard that too, but for metals, not plastics. Oven cleaner will melt plastic in a minute

Erik

[MagickalMemories]

I've heard that brake fluid will do it, but haven't tried it myself.

Sorry, but the idea of cleaning toys in brake fluid just doesn't seem worth the risk to me.
People claim a certain level of safety with it when used correctly, but I don't really care.

I'd say to try the simple green and, if it doesn't work on the glue, chalk it up to a lesson learned about the importance of proper assembly.

Eric

[specs.esd]

It ain't easy to get rid of the super glue on plastic models without damaging. Nail polish remover usually contains diluted acetone that could work *if* you specifically target the area and nothing else (small drops on toothpick application). Lighter fluid works as well; both equally nauseating and damaging to both plastics and health but this gives you the BIG BOOM you can brag about once the burns heal. Nothing I know of that you can completely soak in will remove super glue without damaging the plastics.

However, I routinely use either a diluted Simple Green or diluted Pine Sol in a sonic tank. Doesn't remove the super glue outright, but it does seem to make it more brittle (whether from the vibration or mixture I don't know) - apply a hobby knife or scribe and it'll pop off the arms and such. Never was able to remove a backpack or plastic shoulder pad without it breaking though. My brother has said that he froze them overnight, snapped it off at the glue joint, then shaved off the remaining glue - never tried that myself.

To be honest, unless they've got a really big sentimental value to you, I wouldn't bother trying to do what you're planning to do on such that large of scale - seems like a lot of effort if you're just going to pass it on.

[npd_bigdaddy]

Yeah, I think you're right. Basically it's just the guns that are a bit cockeyed, along with some arms. I think I may just try and use the scapel/hobby knife to coax the guns out of the hands, and perhaps the arms from the shoulder joint. Other than that they're fine, just the guns primarily.

So Simple Green is best for the paint removal though, eh?

A sonic tank? LOL, sounds pretty fancy.......

Erik

[specs.esd]

Not so much fancy as laziness. Got tired of smelling up the bathroom with Nail Polish remover or Simply Gag-Me Green and having bowls of cleaning agent that my little ones could get their hands on. Got tired of more toothbrushes or acid brushes or scribes and spending evenings brushing, washing, soaking, repeating. Actually wanted time to play the game.

You can pick up an ultrasonic cleaner on eBay for $25 or so - might consider getting one with a timer and large enough to submerge a Dread body; set the pieces in you want scrubbed, go eat dinner and play a round or two of 40k, and when you come back you've got some spotless critters to paint.

[specs.esd]

And as for what agent is best, I'd go with whatever you could get your hands on cheaply. I used Pine Sol until I ran out; Toluene (I don't recommend this at all, but it was free) until I got too scared to continue using it; now Simple Green because it was on sale.

[SteveBerenyi]

I use Pine Sol/ Simple green for paint removal,

For Glue 1 of 2 things:

1 drop them in boiling water for about 5 seconds then drop em in ice water for about 5 secs then pull out and peel the glue off.

2 put in a freezer over night and pick it off with a fingernail.

I no longer have fingernails so process 1 is what i usually use.
but dont use it on resin.

[MagickalMemories]

You can pick up an ultrasonic cleaner on eBay for $25 or so - might consider getting one with a timer and large enough to submerge a Dread body; set the pieces in you want scrubbed, go eat dinner and play a round or two of 40k, and when you come back you've got some spotless critters to paint.

I used to work in jewelry manufacturing, so I know the exact machine you're talking about. I didn't work in the dept that used them, though, so I know very little about them.

What kind of fluid would you use in them?


Eric

[DarkSoul]

Castrol Supper Clean is what you want.. it will strip off paint down to bare plastic in about 2 hrs (if its clear coated maybe longer) and will disassemble supper glue and green-stuff joints... making them extremely brittle and easy to clean off.. you can get it in the Automotive department of Walmarts or any auto repair store like Auto zone or Pepboys I've left plastic parts in it for months with no damage to the parts... it will damage your skin so wear gloves when using it.. and store miniatures in closed containers.. i use those ziplock storage containers... the stuff lasts forever. Ohhh and it works on resin too.. just dont leave it in there more than a few hours at a time!

[specs.esd]

I used to work in jewelry manufacturing, so I know the exact machine you're talking about. I didn't work in the dept that used them, though, so I know very little about them.

What kind of fluid would you use in them?

Eric

Anything, really - you can even use just plain water for the simple stuff to clean. The tank I have is stainless, so it'll hold just about any solvent or cleaner. From the instruction manual that came with it (yup, for once I actually read instructions) for stuff like watches and jewelry it said just to use a small amount of detergent. I've used the three liquids I previously mentioned without any issues to the sink or contents (toluene - good god what was I thinking, but it also left my tank nice and shiny).

[BCI]

I used to work in jewelry manufacturing, so I know the exact machine you're talking about. I didn't work in the dept that used them, though, so I know very little about them.

What kind of fluid would you use in them?

Eric

Anything, really - you can even use just plain water for the simple stuff to clean. The tank I have is stainless, so it'll hold just about any solvent or cleaner. From the instruction manual that came with it (yup, for once I actually read instructions) for stuff like watches and jewelry it said just to use a small amount of detergent. I've used the three liquids I previously mentioned without any issues to the sink or contents (toluene - good god what was I thinking, but it also left my tank nice and shiny).

One recent test involved 85 octane and a standard bearer with power fist and a plastic arm.

It's still soaking.

The acetone wash wasn't very spectacular. As the story goes the acetone needs to be wet on the figure while you polish it, otherwise you end up having to dig.

So far the best material for paint stripping was bought at a hardware store, yet I believe there is something better.

Anyone tried regular low-strength acid?

[npd_bigdaddy]

Ok what's the technical term for those sonic tanks, because I can't find squat on Ebay. They have to go by something else.

You peaked my curiosity

Erik

[npd_bigdaddy]

[quote="DarkSoul"]Castrol Supper Clean is what you want.. it will strip off paint down to bare plastic in about 2 hrs // and store miniatures in closed containers.. i use those ziplock storage containers... the stuff lasts forever. quote]

Ok, when you say store the miniatures in closed containers, what do you mean "the stuff lasts forever"? You mean the odor, the Super Clean itself, what?

Erik