"Paint Stripper for Humbrol Matt" Topic

If anyone could advise me as to the best way to remove Humbrol Matt paint from lead miniatures, I would be most appreciative.

I have thought about soaking them in a bucket of turps, followed by a bath in detergent, but am worried that this won't remove all the paint from the inner-most creases and will make my preferred option of acrylic paint difficult to apply.

Any advice gratefully received.

Try oven cleaner.
The spray foam type of oven cleaner works quite well on Humbrol enamel.
Spray it on, leave an hour and then wash it off with water.
Sometimes you will need a second attempt to remove everything.
Mick

If you are in the US – the preferred lead/pewter figure stripper for enamel paints which I use is "Zip-Strip" which is a gel paint stripper. If you get the Marine strength stripper it will completely (and I mean COMPLETELY) remove ALL of the paint, primer, and sealer in about an hour to two hours of soaking. Remember to wear gloves and dispose of the stuff properly when you are done, minimal scrubbing involved (wear eye protection).

Otherwise try Simple Green – it should work after soaking for 24 hours and should take off virtually all of the paint, enamel, and sealer. It is also eco-friendly!

For environmental friendliness without the lung damage – Concentrated Simple Green. Not sure if available in UK.
DIY stores or 'Wal(of China)Mart' has it.

I have stripped paint off 25mm Minifigs (Humbrol enamels) that had been on for 15-20 years. I let them soak for a few days and then wash off with water. Can use washing-up liquid too, I guess. I do have to wire brush them to bring the shine back and get in the creases a bit but for the most part this is minimal. No muss no fuss.

Oops, didn't see the end of Jovian's post.

Nitromorse works for me every time (a strong proprietory paint stripper, if you're in the US).

You need plenty of air circulation and a deep metal container, like the sort take-away food comes in. Cover the figures with the stuff, leave overnight then lift each one out onto thick kitchen paper, poke it about a bit with a couple of cocktail sticks to remove the thick stuff and rinse under warm water, scrubbing gently with a little soap and a soft toothbrush.

Rinse the soap off thoroughly and leave to dry.

Another suggestion would be Castrol-SuperClean – an engine cleaner which removes paint, grime, dirt, tar, bugs, baked on enamel, gook, and other junk from engines, yet gentle enough to use on plastic parts. Works like Simple Green – soak for 24 hours and then clean. You can find it or similar products at virtually any autoparts store or store like Wal-Mart.

I'd go Nitromors like Sue Kes

Thanks everyone. I'll check with the local hardware shop and think I'll give Simple Green a go.

Yeah Matt, paint a stripper for Humbrol. You know you want to. They just bought Airfix, and all. I'm sure they'd make it worth your while.

WOW. That's NOT what this thread is about? Er….