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.
I myself have recently started bidding on far too many a perfectly acceptable number of classic models, only to discover that clear information on stripping them is surprisingly difficult to find and lots use products you can't buy where I live. Some guides also recommend using chemicals that are seriously dangerous, which isn't really what I want to be doing. So here I've put together a little guide to help you out - there are seperate guides for metal and plastic models, and you can get the required materials cheaply no matter where you are - no brand names!
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.
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!

Click the links below for each section of the guide, depending on what you need to strip.
Plastic models
Metal models
Combined metal and plastic models
FAQ
I myself have recently started bidding on far too many a perfectly acceptable number of classic models, only to discover that clear information on stripping them is surprisingly difficult to find and lots use products you can't buy where I live. Some guides also recommend using chemicals that are seriously dangerous, which isn't really what I want to be doing. So here I've put together a little guide to help you out - there are seperate guides for metal and plastic models, and you can get the required materials cheaply no matter where you are - no brand names!
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.
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!

Click the links below for each section of the guide, depending on what you need to strip.
Plastic models
Metal models
Combined metal and plastic models
FAQ
Paying full price for your models, paints and tools? Don't!
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Use our banners after the first post or at the bottom of the page for up to 25% off RRP!
Then bag yourself double reward points with code PAU6006 - simple! =]