How to strip paint from miniatures - Simple method for saving models

How to strip paint from miniatures

 This poor trooper came to me covered in chalky textured paint. This can be the result of spray priming from too far away, using old paint or any number of other spray issues.

Clearly sometimes miniatures need repainted.  This could be due to a model crisis like the one seen above or perhaps it's just time to give them a fresh look.  Stripping paint is a task that can be super easy but can also come with fear of damaging those expensive miniatures.  Below is the step by step method that I used on the storm troopers and seems to be the tried and true method for stripping paint from models.  Before we begin I should start with a few warnings: Gloves are recommended.  I didn't use them and the chemical left my hands a bit dry and irritated. Follow product safety guidelines.

Tools required for paint stripping 

- Simple Green cleaner - I've used other chemicals in the past such as Pinesol but this is now my go to and is a staple among miniature painters

- old toothbrush - bristles should be fairly worn

- toothpick/pin/needle - a tiny point for getting into cracks

- Hard plastic bowl - big enough to be able to submerge the minis in

Step 1. Simple Green Bath

For the storm troopers, I used a solution of 1/3 water to 2/3 Simple Green.

 Add minis and solution to the bowl until all of the models are submerged.  Let this sit for 2 hours.

Step 2. Check and brush

After only a couple hours in the bath, the paint started to come off with little effort.

Stir the solution occasionally. Lightly brushing the models with an old toothbrush should cause some of the paint to loosen up and come right off.  The more comes off, the more the chemical will soak in and break up the paint and make it easier to remove during the next round of brushing.  Rinse off each model after brushing and return it to the solution to soak again.  

Step 3. Repeat

I repeated step 2 after another few hours had passed.  I let it sit overnight and brushed them a third time the next day.

Still with only light brushing and not spending much time, a lot of the paint will come off in this step. With models that have many layers of paint you will want to let them sit for a day in between checking and brushing.

During this step it is also possible that the glue used to assemble the model will weaken and bits will come off.  This is normal and will just result in the bits needing to be brushed seperately and reattached after cleaning.

          Step 4. Scrape clumps and nooks 

When the troopers were almost done, I went in with the tip of a toothpick and lightly poked and scraped areas of stubborn paint.

At this point, much of the paint has come off but there are some problem spots that need more of a nudge to be removed.  Lightly scrape cracks and rinse the model.    

         

  

That is how I saved the storm troopers and it is the best way I have found to strip paint from miniatures without fear of them melting.  I hope this has been helpful to you! 

Happy Painting!

-Brendan

You can pick up some Simple Green for yourself here:

             
Also Stormtroopers here: