Phantom
Well-known member
Ok folks, I'm not a Youtuber and my channel died more than 15 years ago, but I was really bored 
and made this short video for all of you who wonder what's best to clean/strip/ruin a model.
I took an old random piece from the diecast scrap box and tested some of the stuff that I have on my working bench...
The first three solvents are basically ok for some quick cleaning of models. You can see that they do affect the paint though.
The real good stuff is the well known acetone. It easily and quickly erases every kind of tampo/silk screen printed or airbrushed paint. Use a micro brush or similar for the very details.
However many models come with a thick layer base paint that is often baked in (here: white) and so barely goes off with acetone. Paint stripper jellies using acetate etc. are good but are a mess to work with.
Use protective equipment! Only use in well ventilated rooms or better: outside.
Oh and yes, even though some of you drink it, to me ethanol is a solvent.
And nail polish removers are for nails, not for collectibles.
and made this short video for all of you who wonder what's best to clean/strip/ruin a model.I took an old random piece from the diecast scrap box and tested some of the stuff that I have on my working bench...
The first three solvents are basically ok for some quick cleaning of models. You can see that they do affect the paint though.
The real good stuff is the well known acetone. It easily and quickly erases every kind of tampo/silk screen printed or airbrushed paint. Use a micro brush or similar for the very details.
However many models come with a thick layer base paint that is often baked in (here: white) and so barely goes off with acetone. Paint stripper jellies using acetate etc. are good but are a mess to work with.
Use protective equipment! Only use in well ventilated rooms or better: outside.
Oh and yes, even though some of you drink it, to me ethanol is a solvent.
And nail polish removers are for nails, not for collectibles.
