Need paint stripper not harmful to plastic

A. As a general rule, try a solvent that was in the product originally before it evaporated away, leaving the product hard. I can't guarantee that acetone [on eBay or Amazon] will do anything, but it's inexpensive, widely available, low enough in hazard that people remove their nail polish with it, and -- as you noted -- it was one of the solvents in the paint. Good luck.

DON'T use acetone as a stripper, I use it to dissolve ABS to make a glue / filler. Have a look on YouTube

Hi Mark. Thanks for the warning which is a good one. Still, acetone doesn't dissolve all plastics ... it's sold in plastic bottles & jugs.

Do you have reason to believe Dennis' plastic is ABS? Do you have a suggestion for him if it is? Thanks again!

Luck & Regards,

A. True, acetone comes in P E T plastic bottles. I used caustic sofa and regret it so much. Every time I spray the primer on then bake it, the primer splits. I tried using vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon] in my sanding water hoping to neutralize the caustic but no success. This time when the cracks opened up I've sprayed primer directly into them. Even panel beaters don't get it

A. Dear sir,

We should know the kind of paint -- but generally paint removers are two kinds.

1-based on organic solvent [methylene chloride, Xylene [on eBay or Amazon], etc.]
2-based on caustic strong alkaline to destroy the paint film [NaOH-S.phosphate....etc]

So until you telling me the kind of paint you use the second type of removers is more safe.

Thanks,

A. Prasarn,

What Raafat said is l00% true ... in fact I didn't even know that there were two types of paint remover. Thanks for the Heads up, didn't recommend the first one BECAUSE the standard cement for ABS happens to be related to methylene chloride, i.e., MEK / methyl ethyl ketone. Don't even consider using it! It will dissolve the ABS very nicely, thank you!

A. Dear sir,

It is clear that you don't know the type of paint [polymer] so I will ask an expert [friend]. Till that you can use the alkaline remover [pH>12]. I'm sure paint film will be destroyed but take care this will slightly etch ABS so make a sample first to adjust the time.

Good luck,

Dear sir,

Use IPA chemical for Automotive ABS Painting parts to remove the Paint Coating sir. IPA does not affect the part surface.

A. Hiya, modeling dudes.

dot 4 brake fluid [on eBay or Amazon] works very well without any apparent damage to the plastic.
it is advisable to take a sample of same or similar plastic & throw into the fluid for a timed period to avoid possibility of damage to plastic parts of models in the event it proves damaging.
"always wear rubberrubber gloves [on eBay or Amazon] & eye protection".
"always dispose of in a responsible manner".
"always read instructions on container".
I have personally tried it on plastics painted with acrylics & enamels & results are good after 2 hours, very good after 4 hours & excellent after 12 hours but, this will depend on the amount of layers, the paint used & the plastic that the paint is applied to.
This was achieved by "immersion" in a sealed glass container(coffee jar)& regular checks on progress. For larger items it is for yourself to find a container that meets your needs. Paint will bubble after time. When satisfied it has had long enough, wash under cool/cold running water & gently rub with an old toothbrush; this will remove most of the paint (if not all). Dry thoroughly with kitchen paper towels(or equivalent). If the plastic feels greasy or sticky, wash under "warm" (not hot) water with washing up liquid(dish soap) & dry completely before trying a thin layer of new paint. If spraying or dry brushing, it is advisable to wash under "warm water"(after the dish soap stage) to remove possible soap residue as soap or brake fluid will react with the new paint finish.
I have not tried this process on clear plastics(cockpit canopies)yet & it is advisable to test a piece of "sprue/grid/frame"the parts come on first if possible.

Brake fluid is cheap & easily available, does a very satisfactory job (see above for directions) if instructions are followed as above there should be very few problems.

Is very volatile & safety should be paramount; disposal(safely) should be done with care.

All advice given should be "followed to the letter" & tests done first on equivalent materials to prevent possible damage to components.

All operations are therefore undertaken at your own risk.
Good luck with your "experiments" & remember ... safety first!

A. hiya.

Really pleased to know that the brake fluid worked on the tail light.

great to hear that the information has been beneficial to someone.

I've done further immersion tests & plastics have been left to soak for a week or so without any damage to the plastics & the paint sloughs off much more easily.

great for stripping poor paint finishes on eBay scores.
My thing is the games workshop warhammer/40,000 battle game miniatures. brake fluid seems to really struggle on the games workshops clear gloss lacquer("ard coat") though.

Good luck in all your projects.

A. I used caustic soda [affil links] , dug an impression in the soil, lined it with plastic sheeting and soaked the removable parts for a couple of days. Brilliant results.

A. For steel parts, yes. Not for aluminum or diecast.

Luck & Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 2021

A. TRY ORANGE OIL BASED CLEANER (DIY OR PROPRIETARY); LAVENDER OIL CAN BE USED TOO. HOPE IT HELPS AND GOOD LUCK!

A. Hi Hardik. Thanks for the picture, but I still don't know what this switch plate is made of. If it's solid plastic there is no way to "remove the color" -- all you can do is paint it.

Luck & Regards,