I've noticed on some of the cars I've been stripping for repainting that as they dry there's a grayish discoloration. I've been using ELO to strip the cars. The graying seems kind of similar to the effect you can get with an alcohol wash over DullCote. It doesn't produce any surface irregularities or interfere with painting, so I guess I'm mostly just curious about what's happening here. Anyone have an explanation?
I get the same but noticably more so with Kato made shells, the dark grey plastic. ELO will dry these out allowing them to crack so what you may be seeing is the reaction to the stripper and a good warning sign not to continue with ELO at least. I was using a British product made by Phoenix Paints (in Gloustershire for the UK crew) whilst there that didn't have the same effect.
Ive just been trying to strip a couple of Tyco F7s. I tried brake fluid and later degreaser with almost no effect on the paint. It has however softened the plastic completely. One more for the scrap yard
Ouch! For what it's worth, at least a Tyco engine shouldn't be a big hit on the wallet. I would suggest you try the Polly S Easy Lift Off (ELO) next time as it seems to work well and be fairly safe.
Trouble is getting the like of ELO or Chameleon outside of the US. International shipping doesn't take lightly to flammable liquids. I haven't even tried looking for a replacement here in OZ. I have enough ELO and other to last a while longer, imported stuff I bought years ago before they got really jumpy over it.
Gary,Kelletts Hobbies at Liverpool has ELO 230ml cans for $16 & also carry a range of smaller jars of the stuff. Maria at Model RR Craftsman in Blacktown carries ELO too.
I've done all of my stripping with 91% isopropyl alcohol and had good luck with no issues as far as the plastic.