How to Remove Acrylic Paint from Plastic Models

Last Updated: December 28, 2021

Acrylic paint is one of the most common paints used for painting models, and works well for applying both larger details and smaller ones. But very few of us can achieve the detailing shown on the box, and we will all make mistakes. Unlike enamel paints, which can come off very easily with a dash of white/mineral spirits, acrylic paints are harder to remove from plastic models. There are some options that can help, though.

Steps

1
Try Dettol or any similar antiseptic solution. This will combat the water-based acrylic paint and should strip off the paint fairly easily. The end result shouldn't look too shabby, although a fresh coat of paint should be added afterwards to touch it up.
2
Use oven cleaner. Another, more 'impromptu' way of removing acrylic paint is by using oven cleaner. Yes, you heard right, oven cleaner. You can either spray the foam onto the model and put it into a ziplock bag and leave it for a day or two, or spray it into a cup and scrub it on with a toothbrush. Again, the results should be good, but another fresh coat of paint is highly recommended.

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3
Try a Revell or Humbrol-style brush cleaner. This may also remove acrylic paint, although this may or may not work, and will depend on the brand. Again, in the same way, acrylic thinners may or may not strip the paint off.
4
Soak them as needed. Your best bet is to use the antiseptic solution or oven cleaner, and just let the item to be stripped of the paint soak in the solution for a few hours.
5
Seek brand-specific advice. If all of these do not work, then ask a modelling forum like britmodeller.com to see what enthusiasts there suggest.
6
Consider sand paper as a last resort. You can try sanding it down, but you have to be very careful when doing this, so as not to accidentally sand down panel lines or model details.

Community Q&A

Question

How I remove spilled paint on my bag?

SOFIA PERSINGER

Community Answer

Wash the bag (by itself) and hang it up to dry. Do not try to put it in the dryer, as this will probably ruin it.

Warnings

Be careful with the antiseptic solutions and cleaners which you handle. Make sure to adhere strictly to the safety signs on the bottles, and therefore make adequate protection, such as gloves, or even safety glasses and a face mask if determined necessary. Remember, the rules aren't there to be a spoilsport, they are there to keep you safe!

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