Stripping paint from miniatures is a common hobby task, whether you’re rescuing second-hand models or fixing a paint job you’re not happy with. The good news is that with the right method, you can safely remove paint without damaging the model, then repaint it fresh.
Why strip and repaint?
Maybe you bought a cheap squad on eBay, or your first army was painted in colours you now regret. Stripping lets you start over without buying new models.
It’s also useful for fixing a single messed-up area, like a freehand detail that went wrong, so you don’t have to redo the whole miniature.
Choosing a paint stripper
The market is full of options, from dedicated hobby products to household chemicals. Each works differently and has its own safety considerations.
Biostrip 20 is a popular water-based, non-toxic gel that’s safe for plastic and can be left on for hours. Testors Easy Lift Off (ELO) is another favourite, especially for fast results on plastic, resin and metal. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is a common DIY choice, but it’s flammable and needs longer soaking. Dettol and Simple Green are gentler but can be messy. Avoid brake fluid and nail polish remover, as they can damage plastic.
| Stripper | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biostrip 20 | Plastic, resin (short contact) | Water-based, non-toxic, gel consistency |
| Testors ELO | Plastic, resin, metal | Fast, brush-on, no soaking needed |
| Isopropyl alcohol | Metal, plastic (with care) | Flammable, long soak |
| Dettol | Plastic, metal | Messy, requires rinsing |
| Simple Green | Plastic, metal | Gentle, slow |
Step-by-step stripping
Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. If you’re soaking, fully submerge the models in a container with a lid. Soak times vary: Biostrip 20 needs about 6 hours, while ELO works in under a minute with brushing.
After soaking, rinse the model under warm water (not in a sink with an open drain, as small parts may come loose). Scrub gently with an old toothbrush. For stubborn bits, use a toothpick. Repeat until clean.
- Always test a small area first, especially on resin.
- Don’t leave resin in Biostrip 20 for long; it can soften.
- Use masking tape to protect areas you don’t want to strip.
- Work over a bowl or container, not directly over a drain.
Repainting after stripping
Once the model is clean and dry, you can prime and repaint as normal. Stripping removes all previous paint, so you’re starting from bare plastic, resin or metal.
If you only stripped a small area, you can blend the new paint into the surrounding area. A thin layer of varnish can help seal the transition.
Key facts
- Stripping removes paint so you can repaint a model from scratch.
- Biostrip 20 is water-based and safe for plastic, but can soften resin if left too long.
- Testors ELO works in under a minute on plastic, resin and metal.
- Always wear gloves and work in a ventilated area.
- Never strip over an open drain; small parts can be lost.
FAQ
Can I strip paint from resin miniatures?
Yes, but be careful. Some strippers like Biostrip 20 can soften resin if left too long. Test on a small area first and use short contact times.
How long do I need to soak models?
It depends on the stripper. Biostrip 20 takes around 6 hours, while Testors ELO works in under a minute with brushing. Isopropyl alcohol may need overnight.
What’s the safest stripper for plastic?
Biostrip 20 and Testors ELO are both safe for plastic. Avoid brake fluid and nail polish remover, which can melt or warp plastic.