Kato Pad Printing being stubborn

[EspeeGoldenState]

I’m attempting to remove the printing off a Budd 10-6 sleeper from the Southwest Limited set. I’ve tried using 91% Alcohol and gently rubbing as well as Mr Color Thinner. Nothing seems to be penetrating the printing. I’ve removed the printing on other cars just fine with the Mr Color Thinner. I’ve tried two different cars thinking maybe it was the first car and the previous owner had sealed it with a dullcote or something.

The other pictures are the previous cars I’ve removed the striping from. Phase V and Phase III.

Any suggestions?

[Simon D.]

One thing that MAY work is Meguiar's G10307EU ScratchX Car Paint Scratch Remover or equivalent.  Go very very gently with a cotton bud or cocktail stick to rub/burnish off the printing but not the paintwork.  Test in an inconspicuous area first!

[Sokramiketes]

I think your success with pad printing removal is being stymied because those Southwest Limited models use the direct-to-substrate inkjet printing method.

I'm not sure anyone has cracked that nut yet.  But you're not crazy, it is different.   

[peteski]

I think your success with pad printing removal is being stymied because those Southwest Limited models use the direct-to-substrate inkjet printing method.

I'm not sure anyone has cracked that nut yet.  But you're not crazy, it is different.   

Yes, more and more companies are using this new method of decorating their models,. Micro-Teains as been one ot the pioneers, and nowadays they even ink-jet-print the intrigue sides of the cars (like billboard reefers).  They also seem to have the highest resolution printer, which uses the thinnest ink.

I believe those inks are UV-cured, so they don't use solvents like standard Tampo inks.