winston69

iTrader: (30)

Got some second hand p1 driving light covers that I'm going to have a go at spraying myself.
They have previously had a few coats of paint and ideally would need stripping back to bare plastic before spraying imo.
What's the best method of doing this? Was thinking paint striper obviously but wasn't sure if it would eat through the plastic also?

Thanks

Glowplug

iTrader: (8)

There is a produce called 'modelstrip', available from your local model shop or online. It is safe for plastics. Just cover the covers in it and leave them in a bag over night and voilà.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Winston, I'm not sure if that stuff will touch automotive paint. It might be best to ask an automotive paint supplier.

You can find your nearest on www.yell.com.

You got the lights yet?

winston69

iTrader: (30)

Yeah I've got the lights and the covers, just need to get the wiring together but wanted to get the covers prepared first.

T4YLOR 83

iTrader: (2)

Good old sandpaper :-)

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

If it were me, I'd be thinking maybe soaking them for a day or so in car paiont thinners, but you'd need to know it wouldn't dissolve the plastic. Are they ABS? Or PE? It should say on the rear.

Glowplug

iTrader: (8)

Worked a treat on my spats.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

I'm not saying it WON'T b13, but if it did on yours, chances are it WILL.

Better to know than to buy some and find it doesn't.

We used to stick Subbuteo men upside down in it before repainting with Humbrol paints.

Glowplug

iTrader: (8)

Yeah i know what you saying Alcazar.
The paint on the spats was pretty cracked up before i used it, so perhaps penetration was aided by that fact, vs a nice flat unbroken and possibly lacquered surface.
The old boy in the model shop said it would shift most paints, in my case he was correct.

winston69

iTrader: (30)

brake fluid???

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

As above though, try it on some plastic, rear of covers and not ALL brake fluid does not ALL paint.

ModelStrip, for example will not touch modern ink-type finishes as applied to trainset etc models, but removes enamels in under 24 hours. Good stuff, but if you DO use it, rubber gloves are a must and keep it off ALL skin and clothes, it's incredibly caustic I think it might be caustic soda paste

You just smear it on thickly, wrap in cling-film or a large plastic bag to exclude air, (to stop it drying out), and leave overnight.

KAS35RSTI

iTrader: (73)

Drown it in thinners!

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Well, he COULD, so long as they don't attack the plastic.........

winston69

iTrader: (30)

They are apparently original Subaru covers so not sure what they are made of?

KAS35RSTI

iTrader: (73)

If you do use thinners be VERY carefull. It can be dangerous & wear a mask as breathing that stuff in is no good.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

I always thought it was rather nice.............
not!