Paint removal from structures

Many Trains Mar 16, 2020

  1. Many Trains

    Many Trains TrainBoard Member

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    Looking for some advice - I need to remove paint that I brushed on to a kit. It's a disaster, it could not look worse. I need to start from scratch.

    The specifics - the kit is a walthers Brach's candy factory. I have the 4 walls assembled and was trying to brush paint them concrete using Polly Scale concrete paint. I need to remove this and start over.

    Can this be removed, and if so what is the best way?

    What is a good paint to use to either spray (from a can, no airbrush), or brush paint a concrete color?
     
  2. Inkaneer

    Inkaneer TrainBoard Member

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    I think the 'go to' substance for paint removal is 91% isopropyl alcohol. Soak the part in it overnight. Use a toothbrush for any stubborn areas. I am not aware of any adverse reactions with this substance. Sold in drug stores and I think Walmart.
     
  3. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    Though it's a bit tough now to get any percentage isopropyl alcohol. :(
     
  4. Charlie Vlk

    Charlie Vlk February 5, 2023 In Memoriam

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    Vodka is still on the shelves at our local liquor store.
    Just don’t use gin.....I may need it during the duration.
    A lady called into the local talk radio station and said she wasn’t stocking up on TP but had enough Chardonnay to last her through the crisis....
    Charlie Vlk
     
    mtntrainman likes this.
  5. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    Well I needed alcohol awhile back and used an old bottle of tequila that nobody in their right mind would want to consume and it worked. But the last bottle of 91% alcohol I bought came from Walmart. Another place maybe a hardware store for solvent alcohol that comes in a metal can. It is used as a thinner for shellac and another source would be an art store.
     
  6. Many Trains

    Many Trains TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for the advice! It might be a while before I can get enough alcohol for the task. I'll need to drop the whole skeleton of the walls in, so it will take a lot to cover it. Speaking of which - since the 4 walls are already glued together, would soaking them in the alcohol have any impact on that?
     
  7. Inkaneer

    Inkaneer TrainBoard Member

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    I don't think so but if it does then let us know. I bet more than one person here has a structure that they would like to perform a 'do over'. But seriously if a structure was assembled with 'glue' intended for use with styrene the 'glue doesn't bond like other glues but rather melts the styrene so that the two pieces are more or less welded together.
     
  8. dualgauge

    dualgauge TrainBoard Member

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    Will take longer. Can you set one side at a time. Soak side clean up and do another side til done.
     
  9. SP-Wolf

    SP-Wolf TrainBoard Supporter

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    Another paint removal option: Brake fluid.

    Wolf
     
    BNSF FAN likes this.
  10. Hansel

    Hansel TrainBoard Member

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    I have used Scalecote paint remover for years. Works great! Better yet, you can reuse the remover.
     
    SP-Wolf likes this.
  11. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    This is a good option and probably not being panic bought right now. :D
     
    SP-Wolf likes this.

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