removing paint from fiberglass?

[wannab]

I've got a GH ROTJ Vader I want to strip and repaint, any ideas how best to strip the paint off fiberglass? If I remember correctly the existing paint is Duplicolor spray paint.

Doug

 

[micdavis]

Lacquer Thinner.

 

[wannab]

That's a pretty hot solvent, are you sure it won't melt the fiberglass at all?

Doug

 

[weaselflinger]

I use acetone. As long as you don't soak anything in it, you won't hurt the fiberglass.

 

[micdavis]

That's a pretty hot solvent, are you sure it won't melt the fiberglass at all?

Doug

As long as it's cured, sure. Also jsut don't soak it, wet it good with a rag them rub hard.

Why strip it? Is it really necessary? Just sand and paint over is my motto.

Unless it has twenty coats or something.

 

[kalkamel]

Acetone. I used it to strip my first paintjob off my SPFX ANH lid and it worked like a dream.

 

[wannab]

I'll try a test area and see how it goes.

I want to strip it so I can keep the sharp details.

Doug

 

[yakcam]

Well, I've done a few things from model cars (plastic) to Vader helmets with oven cleaner........

It may take a few goes but it does work quite well, keep in mind though that it will also attack any filler. Also, if you decide to go that route, get the 5 min stuff that doesn't need a warm oven to work.

Cheers,

Kraig

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Brake fluid is the softest paint remover I've tried in that it takes the paint, but removes nothing else. Everything else I've tried has left marks and damaged the underlying material, which then had to be filled and sanded back to perfect.