Want to know how to strip paint from your Warhammer models? Today we’re looking at the best way to strip paint from miniatures and Warhammer models.
Why Would You Want to Strip Paint From Warhammer Models?
There are several reasons you might want to strip paint from Warhammer models:
- You’re unhappy with the paint job.
- You’ve made mistakes and want to start again.
- You want to repaint the model in new colours.
- You’ve bought a model that’s already been painted and want to redo it.
One thing you need to know before getting started is which sort of glue was used on the model.
If you built the model yourself, that’s fine, as you’ll know what you used.
If you bought it from eBay, you might want to check if you can, as this method can make some types of glue, such as super glue, brittle.
Plastic cement is fine for this method.
Can You Strip Paint From Plastic Warhammer Models?
Yes. This is the method I use for removing paint from plastic Warhammer 40k models. I’ve personally only tested it on plastic miniatures, so I can’t say how well it works with resin or metal models.
Safety First
You will want goggles and gloves at a minimum. A mask is also advisable, particularly when you’re handling the alcohol.
If you’re under 16, you should have an adult help you with this. You may also need to be over 18 to buy isopropyl alcohol, depending on where you live.
What You Will Need
- 99.9% isopropyl alcohol
- A container with a lid
- A new toothbrush (cheap ones are fine)
- An old paintbrush, ideally a stiff one
- Safety gear
- Miniatures to strip
How to Strip Paint From Warhammer Models
This is the method we use to strip Warhammer paint from plastic miniatures before repainting them.
Firstly, select the miniatures you’re going to strip and put them in a container. We used an old ice cream tub; it doesn’t need to be anything fancy.
Then submerge the miniatures in the 99.9% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure you’re wearing your goggles and gloves.
Once the miniatures are submerged, put the lid on and leave them to soak. Ideally, leave them for around 24 hours, but you can get results in less time.
I’d give them a minimum of around 4 hours.
Once they’ve soaked, gently scrub the Warhammer models with a toothbrush. An old, stiff paintbrush is also useful for getting into the smaller nooks and crannies.
Don’t use a wire brush, as this can damage the details on the model.
Rinse the Warhammer models in isopropyl alcohol to help remove any remaining paint flakes and debris. Then wash them again in warm, soapy water.
Leave them to dry completely. Once dry, they’re ready to be reprimed and repainted.
Tips for Stripping Paint From Warhammer Models
Here are some tips for Warhammer paint removal.
Be gentle when scrubbing. Models can easily be damaged if you brush or scrub too hard, especially around small or delicate details.
Give them a good long soak. Around 24 hours gives better results and makes the paint easier to remove. You can strip paint from Warhammer models with a shorter soak, but I’ve found leaving them overnight gives better results.
Use the right product. When it comes to Warhammer paint removal, use the right products for the job. For the best results, I recommend 99.9% isopropyl alcohol.
FAQ
How Long Is It Safe to Leave Miniatures in Isopropyl Alcohol?
I’ve left plastic miniatures soaking for several days without any problems. Isopropyl alcohol reacts with the paint rather than the plastic, so if you forget about them or don’t get back to them straight away, they should be fine.
I have personally only tried this method with plastic miniatures, though, so I’m not sure how it would work with metal or resin components.
Will Isopropyl Alcohol Melt the Glue?
This depends on which glue has been used.
Solvent-based plastic cements such as Tamiya Extra Thin and Revell Contacta work by melting the plastic slightly to create a bond, and I’ve had no problems using this method on models assembled with plastic cement.
If super glue has been used, the alcohol can make it brittle, which could make the model more susceptible to breakage. This is something to be aware of if you’re stripping a model that you bought already assembled.
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How To Take Care of Paint Brushes
Are Temu Brushes Good for Painting Miniatures?
