So I thought it would prove useful for the paint removal experiment.
I'm sorry little Shetland. Please forgive me.
I decided to test four different methods of removing paint and see what the results were like.
These were:
- Sanding
- Dremel
- Specialist hobby paint remover
- Mr. Muscle oven cleaner
Method 1 - Sanding
For this method I used:
- Medium Sandpaper
- 200 sandpaper
- 400 sandpaper
- 600 sandpaper
I started off with the 'medium' sand paper and rubbed it against the model to remove as much paint as possible. Once I had a nice patch removed I then worked up the sandpapers in order to get a smoother and smoother finish.
Good Points?
Relatively cheap and easy to do. It doesn't require any nasty nasty chemicals or specialist materials. Done carefully it does little damage to the model underneath.
Bad Points?
It is very time consuming and requires quite a lot of effort. It is also hard to get into the little grooves and details of the model. There is also a risk you'll start to take the model down a bit and lose some of the detailing.
The result:
Dremel
For this method I used:
- Dremel tool
- Sanding attachment
- Sandpaper for finishing (as above)
This method is basically the same as sanding except you use a dremel to sand off most of the paint first. I used it on a relatively low setting and carefully kept it moving to avoid damage to the horse. I finished the area off with hand sanding.
Good Points?
It is a very quick method and if you own a dremel not too expensive. It also doesn't require the use of chemicals.
Bad Points?
It is very easy to damage the the model using this method. There is also some personal safety risk (fingers + sanding dremel = OUCH). You do still have to use hand sanding to get a smooth finish.
The result (before sanding):
Paint Remover
For this method I used:
- Expo's modeller's paint remover
- Cotton wool bud
- Kitchen roll
- Sculpting tool (for scraping)
I followed the instructions on the pot. This basically involved putting it all over an area of the horse and leaving it for an hour. Once it was done I used a sculpting tool (one with a flat edge) to scrape all the paint off. I then wiped the horse down with some kitchen roll to make sure I got all the substance off.
Good Points?
It was relatively quick and did get most of the paint off. The chemical is quite gentle and so doesn't irritate the skin or gas you when used.
Bad Points?
Using any form of chemical obviously has risks to you and your horse. It didn't give you 100% paint removal in all the little groves of the model so you did have to finish off with a bit of sandpaper. It was quite expensive to buy for the amount you get.
The result (before sanding):
Mr. Muscle
For this method I used:
- Mr. Muscle Oven Cleaner
- Plastic bag
- Kitchen roll
- Sculpting tool
I put the horse into a bag in the kitchen with the fan on. I then sprayed the oven cleaner all over the horses head and shut the bag. After a while (about an hour or so) I came back and carefully removed the horse. I then used some kitchen roll to get most of the oven cleaner off before using that same tool to help me peel off the paint.
Good Points?
It is relatively quick and quite easy to do without the need of anything specialist (most people have oven cleaner). The paint does peel off quite easily so you get it out of all the groves.
Bad Points?
I, personally, value my lungs, maybe those who love this method value them less. You do have to be really careful not to gas yourself! It also only removed the custom paint and left the OF paint job and primer underneath so I had to finish with sand paper to get a nice finish. Oven cleaner can sometimes be expensive as well.
The result:
The Verdict
I think it is probably impossible to write something like this without concluding that mixed media is the best method! I think the two paint stripping methods worked really well but you do need to finish off with a bit of sanding. You also have to be quite careful when using chemicals.
Here are some shots of the model once finished off with some sanding on all four areas:
Neck: Paint remover
Side: Sand paper
Head: Mr. Muscle
Neck and Head: Mr. Muscle
Side: Dremel
DISCLAIMER: I in no way advocate spraying oven cleaner on your models! This was experimental only. Do anything at your own risk and that of your models! All these things may harm you and your horse. So BE CAREFUL ALWAYS!!!
