hi everyone
i have got a second hand built helijan plastic kit of a grain silo / grain elevator.
it's bare plastic but been weathered by previous owner with powders and seems to be varnished.
i want to paint it as i don't like the finish.
any suggestions?
should i bathe / wash it in ipa alcohol or dettol or oven cleaner or something?
don't want to damage the plastic but need a clean surface for painting really...
cheers
tim
I have a ultrasonic cleaner that I use IPA in to strip paint from plastic. Seems to work, can't guarantee it on all plastics.
It's a shame the original owner didn't paint it. I never leave anything bare plastic.
It's a silo, it wouldn't have a perfect finish. Try cleaning gently as best you can if you feel it needs it, then give it a light spray of primer and see how that goes as a base for whatever paint and weathering you want to use.
thanks for the replies
I think I'll just try a wipe down with ipa and cotton buds or something like that.
yeh it doesn't need a perfect paint finish... just as well...
which ultrasonic cleaner do you have? I may buy one to clean airbrush in. trying not to spend money though.
cheers
tim
I can't, unfortunately, remember which ultrasonic cleaner I have. It's damn good, and was under £100 about 5 years ago. I've used it for washing 3D prints, removing paint from models and cleaning small household items.
If I get a chance to, I'll dig it out and have a look.
Quote from: bluedepot on July 22, 2023, 09:14:52 PMthanks for the replies
I think I'll just try a wipe down with ipa and cotton buds or something like that.
yeh it doesn't need a perfect paint finish... just as well...
which ultrasonic cleaner do you have? I may buy one to clean airbrush in. trying not to spend money though.
cheers
tim
I'd clean it either with enamel paint thinners or nail polish remover applied with a cotton bud to prepare the surfaces for repainting
Quote from: gc4946 on July 22, 2023, 11:57:56 PMQuote from: bluedepot on July 22, 2023, 09:14:52 PMthanks for the replies
I think I'll just try a wipe down with ipa and cotton buds or something like that.
yeh it doesn't need a perfect paint finish... just as well...
which ultrasonic cleaner do you have? I may buy one to clean airbrush in. trying not to spend money though.
cheers
tim
I'd clean it either with enamel paint thinners or nail polish remover applied with a cotton bud to prepare the surfaces for repainting
I'd be VERY careful using acetone on a plastic kit. It has a habit of melting stuff.
I agree with that. Acetone will melt the plastic!
thanks everyone!
noted ill avoid acetone!
cheers
tim
polly bag to fit the model , place inside and spray with oven cleaner , soak for 4/6 hours , remove and wash in soapy water , it may need 2 goings ... great on loco bodys .
factory weathering only if your quick , biger brush and wet down with liquid polly , do not lay off .