16 May 20, 14:41
Over the years I have managed to collect far too many a perfectly acceptable number of classic models, but some time ago discovered that clear information on stripping them was surprisingly difficult to find. Where they could be found many of guides available used products you can't buy where I live and some also recommend using chemicals that are seriously dangerous, which isn't really what I want to be doing!
So I did a little research and ended up writing this guide based on chemicals I found that meet six criteria:
1. they are strong enough to remove paint
2. they won't damage your models
3. they are easily available in most places (this means no brand names!)
4. they are reasonably inexpensive (a paint stripper is no good if it costs a fortune)
5. they are reusable
6. they are safe to use (as much as possible)
Note: this guide does not currently cover resin miniatures, and trying to follow either section to strip resin can/will result in damaged models. For now if you're trying to strip resin I would recommend looking at @Lovecraft0110's topic here. If you have any chemical suggestions for Forgeworld/Finecast/etc that meet the above criteria then please let me know!
It might look a little long, but I've tried to cover as much as I can - you may find that some sections aren't as relevant to you as others. Have a read through of the whole thing before you start buying or attempting anything though. The equipment list looks similar for both plastic and metal models, but pay attention to the storage requirements! And before you start, cover your surfaces properly. I was working on top of paper towels, but still took the print off my cutting mat - I hate to think what it would have done to a table or worktop!

Metal models
Combined metal and plastic models
FAQ
Simple guide to stripping plastic & metal miniatures
At some point there's a good chance you'll find yourself wanting to strip some models down to repaint, whether they be old paintjobs you want to redo, failed test models or eBay rescues in need of a fresh start. Over the years I have managed to collect far too many a perfectly acceptable number of classic models, but some time ago discovered that clear information on stripping them was surprisingly difficult to find. Where they could be found many of guides available used products you can't buy where I live and some also recommend using chemicals that are seriously dangerous, which isn't really what I want to be doing!
So I did a little research and ended up writing this guide based on chemicals I found that meet six criteria:
1. they are strong enough to remove paint
2. they won't damage your models
3. they are easily available in most places (this means no brand names!)
4. they are reasonably inexpensive (a paint stripper is no good if it costs a fortune)
5. they are reusable
6. they are safe to use (as much as possible)
Note: this guide does not currently cover resin miniatures, and trying to follow either section to strip resin can/will result in damaged models. For now if you're trying to strip resin I would recommend looking at @Lovecraft0110's topic here. If you have any chemical suggestions for Forgeworld/Finecast/etc that meet the above criteria then please let me know!
It might look a little long, but I've tried to cover as much as I can - you may find that some sections aren't as relevant to you as others. Have a read through of the whole thing before you start buying or attempting anything though. The equipment list looks similar for both plastic and metal models, but pay attention to the storage requirements! And before you start, cover your surfaces properly. I was working on top of paper towels, but still took the print off my cutting mat - I hate to think what it would have done to a table or worktop!

index
Plastic modelsMetal models
Combined metal and plastic models
FAQ
support
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