Colour change 1/18 resin model

[GEETEETHREERS]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice on stripping and respraying a 1/18 resin model (manufactured by GT Spirit).

I've done some googling and I understand isopropyl alcohol can be used to strip the existing paint from resin without damaging the plastic. Is this correct? Any other alternatives? I have some POR-STRIP made by POR-15 in the garage but it doesn't mention plastic so I don't want to risk ruining the model.

Once stripped which primer is best? And finally on the paint, is a rattle can sufficient or will the finish be terrible? I do have a 2.5hp 50L compressor so would a small HVLP gun be better?

Many Thanks

[robemcdonald]

I’ve used alcohol on styrene and it works, but not sure about resin.

I’ve used Vallejo polyurethane primer on resin before and that works well. You’ll need an airbrush though. Failing that buy some Tamiya primer from hobby craft in a rattle can. It’s good stuff. You’re much better off with lots of very light coats rather than one heavy one.
The same rule applies for paint too. Get a rattle can as the HVLP will put on way too much paint. Lots of light coats are the key. Maybe a final coat of gloss clear if required at the end. Tamiya TS-13 is a good one.

Here’s a picture of one of my models painted that way.



Not perfect by any means, but not too bad either.

[dr_gn]

Surely the stripping medium depends primarily on the paint (as well as the substrate)?

[clockworks]

I've used brake fluid to strip paint from resin and styrene in the past.
I haven't built any resin car kits for quite a few years. I used to use acrylic car aerosols from Halfords for priming and most colour coats, followed by 2 pack clear coat applied with an airbrush after decaling. 30 years later, the paint and decals are still perfect.

[Riley Blue]

Thread bump as I'm seeking advice on removing paint from a resin-shelled slot car purchased from Ebay. I don't know what type of paint was used, it's maroon in colour, and appears to be over a coat of grey primer.

What's the safest thing to use without risk to the resin? I've seen Dettol mentioned but would be grateful to hear recommendations based on personal experience.

[dr_gn]

I've stripped a couple of resin parts since the thread was last updated.

Don't use brake fluid! Or at least don't soak resin parts in it for hours at a time - it makes the resin go rubbery. One of the parts is still rubbery nearly 2 years later...

[Yertis]

I'm using Model-strip at the moment (literally here on the desk now) – works great.

[Riley Blue]

Yertis said:

I'm using Model-strip at the moment (literally here on the desk now) – works great.

Could be an interesting few hours Googling that...

[dr_gn]

Used some caustic soda this morning on a plastic model.

I've yet to find anything that will remove Tamiya fine surface primer. That stuff is bomb proof.

[Riley Blue]

I have some isopropyl alcohol arriving today, I'll let you know how well it works.

[dr_gn]

Riley Blue said:

I have some isopropyl alcohol arriving today, I'll let you know how well it works.

Strange you should say that - I've got some 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol for cleaning my 3D printer bed. I immersed an Airfix Swordfish upper wing in it last night, and today the primer has softened to the extent it can be scraped off. No apparent damage to the plastic so far. I'm going to leave it another 24 hours immeresed.

[dr_gn]

So the IPA has removed all traces of the Tamiya primer. It took 2 sittings, with some gentle abrading with a stiff brush and some fairly soft Scotchbrite (soaked in IPA) between soakings, but it’s now all gone.

Currently soaking in dilute detergent to get rid of all the residues, but assuming it hasn’t affected the plastic flexibility, it basically worked perfectly so far.

[Riley Blue]

This is what I've been dealing with, a 1:32 Riley One-Point-Five (Mk1 as indicated by the external bonnet hinges and early indicators)

Maroon paint and grey primer - IPA needed a bit of agitating with an old toothbrush brush but worked well with no damage to resin shell. Silver grille, bumpers and trim plus cream side stripe - IPA didn't touch it at all. I've been reluctant to dip the whole shell in IPA so just dabbed and brushed it on; time consuming but less risky.

[Nola25]

Riley Blue said:

Thread bump as I'm seeking advice on removing paint from a resin-shelled slot car purchased from Ebay. I don't know what type of paint was used, it's maroon in colour, and appears to be over a coat of grey primer.

What's the safest thing to use without risk to the resin? I've seen Dettol mentioned but would be grateful to hear recommendations based on personal experience.

Recently used some cheapo nail varnish remover (coop own brand) to strip a Scalextric truck.

Dip for about 10 min and wipe the old paint off, some will be left as you can’t get in everywhere, even with a toothbrush. Redo when completely dry if necessary.

Used Tamiya primer after sanding

Pic of the before and after below
Don’t leave it in for too long though as it’ll melt the plastic

Edited by Nola25 on Wednesday 17th March 20:34

[marcosgt]

Riley Blue said:

This is what I've been dealing with, a 1:32 Riley One-Point-Five (Mk1 as indicated by the external bonnet hinges and early indicators)

Blimey, that takes me back - A house on my paper round had a couple of those mouldering away in their drive - 40 years ago!

M