How to get paint off plastic minis?

[Bullgrit]

I have an old Space Hulk game, and some of the plastic minis have been painted (badly). How can I get the paint off without damaging the plastic?

Thanks,
Bullgrit

 

[ExploderWizard]

It really depends on the type of plastic you have. Are these the typical GW plastics? If so I would try a small mini (or just one part if you have it) soaked in a natural citrus cleaner of some type. Stay away from hard chemicals like brake fluid as this might melt the plastic. If the little piece experiment works then dip the rest. A good soaking combined with a good brushing with an old tooth brush should do the trick.

 

[Lord Xtheth]

What you need:
Paint thinner
A disposable glass with water in it
Hard bristle toothbrush or pipe cleaners
very small knife
thumb tack or needle
Safety glasses, gloves, and breath guard (If you're into the whole WHIMIS thing)

Take the toothbrush and dip it in the paint thinner, vigorously "brush" the mini down. Rince off toothbrush and mini as needed.

The knife can be used to scrape off clumps of paint, or get into grooves that the toothbrush will not reach.

The thumbtack can be used to scrape out cracks or crevaces.

 

[frankthedm]

classic plastic: simple green or brake fluid.

 

[Redbranch]

classic plastic: simple green or brake fluid.

Simple Green for sure! It's non-toxic and won't melt plastics. Let them soak for a few hours to a day then scrub with an old toothbrush under running warm water.

 

[GlassJaw]

DON'T use nail polish remover! That will definitely melt the plastic. Great for getting paint off metal minis though.

Go with the Simple Green.

 

[Glyfair]

I find that Pine-Sol works great for plastic miniatures. Soak them in about a 20% solution with water overnight. It comes right off with no damage to the plastic.

Some of the softer plastic miniatures, like the early Mage Knight ones, seem to get a little softer until they dry. However, there really isn't any damage to them.

 

[El Mahdi]

deleted

 

[TarionzCousin]

If you are all out of Simple Green just take the minis with you the next time you go to Black Lake. Stand before the dark water and hold the minis above your head. Nightscale's acid breath will remove every last fleck of paint.

 

[carmachu]

What you need:
Paint thinner
A disposable glass with water in it
Hard bristle toothbrush or pipe cleaners
very small knife
thumb tack or needle
Safety glasses, gloves, and breath guard (If you're into the whole WHIMIS thing)

Take the toothbrush and dip it in the paint thinner, vigorously "brush" the mini down. Rince off toothbrush and mini as needed.

The knife can be used to scrape off clumps of paint, or get into grooves that the toothbrush will not reach.

The thumbtack can be used to scrape out cracks or crevaces.

Dont listen here, paint thinner will melt plastic minis.

It works great for metal, but not plastic.

Simple green I think is what uses for plastic