How would you strip a paint job?

[kaelynn]

So I've been looking at some of my unfinished customs from about 14 years ago when I first started customizing  and I think I want to strip some of the paint jobs to start over, either because the paint job got damaged over the years or because it was just horribly awful to begin with!

I've been wondering the best way to remove the paint and I'm wondering what other customizers do.  I usually use a cotton ball or qtip soaked in acetone to remove small areas of paint but it seems like it would be a pain (not to mention messy!) to do that to an entire pony.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!   

[BlackCurtains]

I use cotton balls and acetone lol.

[kaelynn]

I use cotton balls and acetone lol.

 

Well if no one has any better ideas that’s what I’ll be doing!   

[BlackCurtains]

You could try paint thinner, but that stuff is pretty harsh (so is acetone but I think thinner is worse). Also it reeks.

Another option is just painting over the old paint.

[Snapdragon]

Is it acrylic paint? Honestly, there’s a lot to be said for hot water! I’d probably start with a very hot soak, maybe even in a pot on the stove, and let it soak for a bit. Then try to peel it up with your fingertips or a chopstick, or some sharp tool? You might be able to scrape a lot of it off! Maybe some dish soap too? Best of luck!

[Pokeyonekenobie]

If it's a FBR and I used acrylic paint I just let it sit in hot water for a while and then peel off as much as I can.  After that I touch up the stubborn bits with acetone on a cotton ball or q-tip depending on the area needed to be removed.

[kaelynn]

The hot water idea is awesome!  I’ll definitely be giving it a try.

Painting over top isn’t an option unfortunately because the original paint job was very thick, streaky and horrendous!

Thanks all!   

[Raindrop]

If it's a FBR and I used acrylic paint I just let it sit in hot water for a while and then peel off as much as I can.  After that I touch up the stubborn bits with acetone on a cotton ball or q-tip depending on the area needed to be removed.

I second this.  Acetone is great for removing eyes, symbols, and spots, but using acetone on a FBR can make the whole pony sticky.  If that's your only option, surface cleaning with dish detergent can help with the stickiness.

[pinkkittywinks]

I bet Simple Green Stuff would get the paint off if you let it soak for a bit

I have used a product called "Solvax" as Simple Green in the UK is not the same as Green Stuff in the US.

Love pkw xxx

[Starflashbaby]

if there is some Varnish on it you might have to get some striper paint and varnish striper... I used that on the Brazilian pony and of course a test pony... if you want the brand name I'll find out from my brother asap. He has it at his house now we share the can of varnish stripper for different items or projects...

how to use it the way i used it.... is get some gloves first.... its a chemical... and then spray it on the pony and then scrub it off under warm water not hot that will burn your hands just a light warm water...