Using Simple Green to strip models

Works way better than Windex!

Four plastic models, primed black, basecoated Adeptus Battlegrey, and then painted with Fenris Grey, were placed into a small container filled with Simple Green. The models were fully submerged.

After 4 hours, I checked on the models to see how they were doing. I could see that the Fenris Grey was easily coming off, so I pulled one out and gave it a scratch. All the paint except the primer easily came off. I then pulled out each one and used a toothbrush to completely expose the primer, hoping this would help take the primer off. The models are now back in the Simple Green where they will stay for another 20 hours, unless the primer looks ready to come off sooner.

Like the other models, these ones had painted sand glued to the base with PVC glue. This came off with little trouble after the 4 hours.

I found the Simple Green at Canadian Tire, and payed $5.24 for a 650ml bottle. There was a larger bottle, which lowers the amount of money you pay per ml, but I didn't want to spend more on a bigger bottle until I knew it would work. I'll definitely be picking it up tomorrow, since the 650 ml size doesn't provide a whole lot.

From what I've heard, the solution can be used 2 to 3 times before it loses its effectiveness.

Results of using Windex to strip plastic models

Recap: The models have soaked in Windex for 24 hours.

I pulled out the four plastic terminators. All four were primed black. Two were basecoated with Adeptus Battlegrey and then painted with Fenris Grey (I was experimenting). The other two were basecoated with Fenris. All four were washed with Asurmen.

The results:

• The wash had already come off, as mentioned earlier. 
• Paint that wasn't the basecoat had mostly come off on its own by now.
• The basecoat was still on, but mostly came off when brushed with a toothbrush.
• The primer seems to have been unaffected (primer was GW brand).
• The sand which had been PVC glued to the base was completely removed, along with the glue.

I can't say that I'm happy with the result. The models aren't completely clean of paint. I wouldn't mind if it was just the primer that remained, and am worried about how smooth I'll able to apply the newer paint scheme.



Next up, I'm going to try the product Simple Green.