MFG Specific Paint / Letter Removal Techniques.

[learmoia]

Comment Removed.

[peteski]

I think that it would be useful if a mention was made about how successful each method is.  For example, how long the shell has to be immersed in the stripping solution, whether the paint just falls off or has to be scrubbed (once or repeatedly) for complete removal.  Often the temperature of the stripping solution effects its potency.

Is Coleman fluid Naphtha?

[Denver Road Doug]

First, I think this is a great idea.   I've been wanting to start a database that would tie all of this together, but in lieu of that, this is the next best thing!   I would also suggest that each process be car (release?) specific.   For example, I know some Micro-Trains cars are tougher than others to strip. (although not by much....lol)    I think silver from any mfg tends to be removed easily.   SO having a little more data would be useful.

I will post some of mine but I need to review my notes, don't want to go from memory and throw someone off.  (and in that vain, I would caution "word of mouth" techniques....if you haven't personally had success with it, don't post.  Just my opinion...)

[learmoia]

Comment Removed.

[peteski]

By the way here is the link I mentioned in my first post. (This is how I discovered Castrol Super Clean)
http://www.bonediggers.com/1-3/strip/strip.html

~Ian

Ian,
CSC (and several of its generic forms) are quite popular with the plastic model car (automobile) modelers.  The purple stuff also has nicknames such as "Purple Pond" and others. It is a lye-based stripper (like Easy-Off oven cleaner - original formula).  There was also another lye-based stripper called Strip-A-Kit from Hangar 3 in Arlee, MT but I think that they are long gone. A quick search shows that the owner, Rick Fluke was a janitor at Hangar 3. This stuff is most likely some sort of industrial floor stripping solution.

Yes, expanded form like you presented would be a good idea. As you also mentioned, what complicates things is that the manufacturers change their paint formulas from time to time. What stripper worked in the past might not work on a newer model from the same manufacturer. 

[Kisatchie]

...What stripper worked in the past might not work on a newer model from the same manufacturer. 

Somehow I got it in my head that Micro-Trains used Floquil solvent paints for their freight cars. If that's true, I wonder what paint(s) they're using now that Floquil is no more?


Hmm... Dutch Boy...?

[Denver Road Doug]

As far as hear say.. I agree to hold off unless tested..
-- The only hearsay I put in my inital post was:
the Coleman Fuel Oil Red bottle.. But I remember reading that from Joe at MT..
White Vinegar for Atlas (although I read it's the active ingredient in Micro Sol that removes the lettering)
Hearsay from Craig at Bluford
--- And Fiberglass pens..

Well, I would say a recommendation from someone tied to the manufacturer (officially or not?  hehe) would be a pretty reliable source if noted as such.

Having said all that above, I don't think we have to get *TOO* careful/crazy about it.  Reasonable disclosures and disclaimers, best effort testing, and common sense in applying the knowledge should make this very useful information.   I would hate to create too much red tape and just spin our wheels.   I just know that there's been a lot of bad info posted on train forums in general and I would hate to see anyone ruin a good model.

[peteski]

Somehow I got it in my head that Micro-Trains used Floquil solvent paints for their freight cars. If that's true, I wonder what paint(s) they're using now that Floquil is no more?

Floquil paints were very flat (except for couple of gloss colors). MT cars had/have a satin finish.  Unless they had Floquil make specially formulated paint, I don't see how they would have used Floquil.

[Kisatchie]

Floquil paints were very flat (except for couple of gloss colors). MT cars had/have a satin finish.  Unless they had Floquil make specially formulated paint, I don't see how they would have used Floquil.

Again, going on memory, I think Floquil made an additive with a satin finish that could be mixed with their paint. It's hell having one's brains turn to mush.


Hmm... or not having a
brain in the first place...

[peteski]

Again, going on memory, I think Floquil made an additive with a satin finish that could be mixed with their paint. It's hell having one's brains turn to mush.


Hmm... or not having a
brain in the first place...

Yes, the had  Glaze and Hi Gloss.  But adding neither of these resulted in a finish like the one on MT models. At least in my experimentation.  Also, Floquil paint had a very distinct odor, which lingers even months after the paint is dry.  None of the freshly released MT cars I have purchased ever smelled like that.  But my experience with MT's new releases only goes back to the 80s.  Maybe earlier on the used Flioquil paints.

[Kisatchie]

You're right. MTL cars don't have the smell of Floquil paint. My brains are indeed mush.


Hmm... hey, mush-for-
brains. It's time for supper...

[glakedylan]

I have a Bel Bev (Life Like) loco shell that was soaking in 91% alcohol for a week, pine-sol for a week, and now transmission fluid for 3 weeks. all that has been removed, thus far, are the decals. the whole shell--in its entirety--is still black. I am beginning to think it was molded in that color plastic rather than being paint. a matching shell had all the paint stripped after 3 days in the 91% alcohol. so, I do not know what to think. anybody have any experience with BevBel (Life Like)?

thanks much
Gary

[peteski]

I have a Bel Bev (Life Like) loco shell that was soaking in 91% alcohol for a week, pine-sol for a week, and now transmission fluid for 3 weeks. all that has been removed, thus far, are the decals. the whole shell--in its entirety--is still black. I am beginning to think it was molded in that color plastic rather than being paint. a matching shell had all the paint stripped after 3 days in the 91% alcohol. so, I do not know what to think. anybody have any experience with BevBel (Life Like)?

thanks much
Gary

It could be black plastic - there are no rules stating that the bare plastic has to be gray or some other neutral color. MT for example usually molds their cars in a color close to that the shell will be painted with. That gives them better paint coverage.

Look on the inside of the shell. Usually that area is unpainted plastic. Is ti black?  If you still can't tell, take a sharp tool and make a scratch inside the shell. What color is the plastic? 

[glakedylan]

thanks, Peteski, that is helpful information. quite useful.
I will take a look at the inside of the shell and see what I find.
much appreciated--
Gary

[mcjaco]

I've used 91% ISO on Life Like - let it soak for a two days.  Not a lick of paint on the shell after a quick scrub with a tooth brush.  And I'll note, it was molded in black plastic. 

Atlas.....oh Atlas.  Tried the Pine Sol.  I could only get it to take the lettering off.  And that was with a lot of elbow grease.