JD
So I want to remove the enamel wash on the Panther and try the disruptive scheme, but it won't budge with any thinners...Any suggestions? Oven cleaner? Brake cleaner? Purple power?

James Skalicky
I had good results using brake fluid (DOT-3, I don't know if it matters). I brushed it on and let it sit for a few hours and used a toothpick to scrape the paint away. The smaller parts I submerged in a tupperware bowl full of fluid overnight and the paint practically fell right off. It is extremely messy though. I went through an entire roll of paper towels in the process.

Spanjaard
I never tried with brake fluids, but I removed once 20 years old enamel paint by submerging the parts in Dettol and leaving them there overnight. it did work, but remember 3 things
- use a container with a lid that close well (really well)
- try to do it outside if you can. it stinks really really bad. and smell sticks to everything for a long while.
- use gloves!

whatever you do, remember to start with areas that are not seen. that can be applied to thinners. be specially careful with white spirit... I have seen a finished model falling apart in pieces because white spirit was eating the plastic... it was not fun, specially after working on that model for months.

JD
Thanks guys, I suppose the smart thing to do is try the least toxic approach first, and as Dettol isn't readily available in the US, I'm trying the 'purple pond' using Super Clean. Some of the guys are using it to strip chrome, so it's a good place to start.

Rene Scheiblich
Sir, you've got a tank in your cocktail. Stir well.😉
I'll be watching your trials, my old models are all brush painted with thick layers of enamel... And I'm tempted to repaint them one day. 🙂

JD
Shaken, not stirred... yeah, it's coming off already. Tomorrow I'll go at with a toothbrush, then I'm thinking about a SillyPutty mask for the cammo...and then some hairspray chipping effect, followed by a pin wash, then some streaking and grime and mud effects, followed by a dot filter, then round it all off with some weathering pigments, and place it on an amazing diorama I just whipped up......just kidding!
One day maybe!

Rene Scheiblich
Make sure to do a detailed video, tutorial style step by step😉
I'm curious to see the result with that purple stuff.

JD
The Super Clean pond worked really well, stripped the enamel and acrylic easily. I'm excited, ready for paint!

JD
Gettin' there...

JD
I think I've had my fill of the 'Toons for now...Thanks for looking!

Chris Greathouse
Excellent egg army!

JD
Thanks Chris. I had fun while learning on these fun little kits.

jimmy christy
now if any thing looks weird its THOSE(😮

Spanjaard
nice job on those!

JD
Added missing pics of stripping paint with SuperClean

i_nook
late for party but actually I'm here for inspiration, like the result

JD
Ha ha! I remember this.. thanks for the memories i_nook! I had a lot of fun with the silly putty, I must use it again someday 😄

Simon Nagorsnik
You've got an good looking toon tank there mate👍
I'd to remeber your way to remove old paint!

JD
Thanks for noticing, Simon 😁 Enamel paint can be removed with a soak overnight in automotive engine degreaser, and scrubbing with a toothbrush. Be careful, use eye protection and gloves. There are other methods, this one worked for me. Cheers everyone!

Simon Nagorsnik
Thank you for your feedback jd
Will heed your advice and i will try it for sure👍