Description
For information, instructions, tips and tricks, please see our Squadron Colors information page by Clicking Here.
SQUADRON COLORS PAINT STRIPPER
SOMETIMES THE BEST PAINT JOB STARTS OVER.
Sometimes a paint job doesn't go as planned.
Sometimes an older model needs to be restored.
And sometimes you simply decide you want to start over.
Squadron Colors Paint Stripper is a hobby paint remover designed to help remove paint from model parts without resorting to aggressive lacquer thinner or other harsh solvents that may damage common modeling plastics.
Whether you're correcting a small problem area or stripping an entire model, Squadron Colors Paint Stripper gives you a controlled way to remove unwanted paint and prepare the surface for another attempt.
TWO SIZES FOR TWO DIFFERENT JOBS
Squadron Colors Paint Stripper is available in two sizes:
15 mL
Ideal for small areas, individual spots, detail work, and controlled paint removal where only a small amount of stripper is needed.
200 mL
Ideal when enough product is needed for dipping or soaking model parts, stripping larger areas, or restoring complete models.
FOR SMALL AREAS & SPOT REMOVAL
When only a specific area needs to be stripped, apply a small amount of Squadron Colors Paint Stripper directly to the painted surface.
Allow the stripper time to penetrate and soften the paint.
Once the paint begins to release, gently work the area with an appropriate soft brush, cotton swab, or other non-damaging tool.
Stubborn paint or multiple layers may require additional applications.
WORK GRADUALLY.
Avoid aggressive scraping that could damage surface detail or the material underneath the paint.
This method is particularly useful when you need to correct a problem without unnecessarily stripping the entire model.
DIPPING & SOAKING PARTS
For larger areas or complete paint removal, Squadron Colors Paint Stripper can be used to soak model parts.
Pour enough Paint Stripper into a suitable container to completely cover the parts being stripped.
Submerge the parts and allow the product time to work.
CHECK THE PARTS PERIODICALLY.
As the paint softens and begins to release, remove the parts and gently scrub them with a soft brush or toothbrush.
Heavy paint buildup, multiple layers, primers, or older finishes may require additional soaking and cleaning.
Rather than aggressively scraping stubborn areas, allow the Paint Stripper additional time to work.
AFTER STRIPPING
Once the unwanted paint has been removed:
Rinse the part thoroughly with fresh water.
Use a soft brush if necessary to remove loosened paint or remaining residue from:
- Panel lines
- Recesses
- Corners
- Rivets
- Surface details
- Hard-to-reach areas
Allow the part to dry completely before sanding, priming, painting, or continuing construction.
Inspect the surface carefully before repainting. Any remaining paint or residue trapped in recessed details should be removed before applying a new finish.
IMPORTANT — TEST FIRST
Scale models and aftermarket components can be manufactured from many different materials.
These may include:
- Styrene
- Resin
- Clear plastic
- 3D-printed materials
- Fillers
- Putties
- Adhesives
- Photo-etched or multimedia assemblies
- Other aftermarket materials
Different materials may react differently to prolonged exposure to any paint-removal product.
ALWAYS TEST FIRST.
Before stripping an important model or component, test Squadron Colors Paint Stripper on a spare part, piece of sprue, hidden area, or sample of the same material whenever possible.
Pay particular attention when working with clear parts, resin, 3D-printed materials, fillers, putties, adhesives, or unfamiliar aftermarket components.
Do not assume that because one material tolerates prolonged soaking, every material will.
DON'T FORGET THE GLUE
Paint isn't the only material on a finished model.
A completed model may contain several different adhesives, fillers, putties, decal products, and aftermarket materials underneath the paint.
When stripping an assembled model, periodically inspect seams, attached details, and other bonded components.
If you're uncertain how a particular material or adhesive will react, test it separately before soaking the complete model.
HOW LONG SHOULD I SOAK THE PART?
There is no single soaking time appropriate for every model.
The amount of time required can depend on:
- Type of paint
- Number of paint layers
- Age of the finish
- Primer underneath the paint
- Thickness of application
- Material being stripped
LET THE CONDITION OF THE PAINT DETERMINE THE SOAKING TIME.
Inspect the part periodically.
Once the paint has softened enough to be removed easily, there is generally no advantage to leaving an unfamiliar material submerged longer than necessary.
Stubborn areas can always be treated again.
WHAT TYPES OF PAINT WILL IT REMOVE?
Squadron Colors Paint Stripper is intended for removing hobby paint from model parts.
Because hobby paints, primers, clear coats, and two-component coatings use many different chemistries, removal time and effectiveness can vary considerably from one coating to another.
Some finishes may release quickly.
Others may require repeated applications or extended soaking.
Multiple layers may need to be removed progressively.
WHEN WORKING WITH AN UNFAMILIAR PAINT SYSTEM, TEST FIRST.
This is especially important when stripping combinations of primer, paint, decals, weathering products, and clear coats.
A SECOND CHANCE AT THE PAINT JOB
One of the advantages of scale modeling is that a bad paint job doesn't necessarily mean a ruined model.
Runs happen.
Colors don't always turn out the way we expected.
Masking sometimes goes wrong.
Old models eventually need restoration.
And occasionally we simply look at something we've painted and decide:
I CAN DO THAT BETTER.
Squadron Colors Paint Stripper gives you the opportunity to remove the old finish, clean the surface, and try again.
QUICK REFERENCE
SMALL AREA
Apply → Allow paint to soften → Gently brush or wipe → Repeat if necessary
COMPLETE PART
Submerge → Inspect periodically → Remove when paint softens → Gently scrub
AFTER STRIPPING
Rinse thoroughly → Clean recessed details → Allow to dry completely → Inspect before repainting
MOST IMPORTANT
TEST UNFAMILIAR MATERIALS FIRST.
SAFETY
Use Squadron Colors Paint Stripper in accordance with the product label and current Safety Data Sheet.
Wear appropriate gloves and eye protection and use the product in an adequately ventilated area.
Avoid unnecessary skin and eye contact.
Keep away from children and pets.
Do not mix Squadron Colors Paint Stripper with other chemicals or cleaning products.
Dispose of used stripper, removed paint, and contaminated materials in accordance with applicable local regulations.
Squadron Colors Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available on our website.
