I have an Autoscale body with factory paint and decals that I want to repaint myself. I’ve read a bunch of articles and forum posts from all over the internet regarding which is the best stripping medium for model cars. However, I can’t seem to come to a conclusion and really don’t want to ruin my $100 Autoscale body.
So, I’m looking for some advice from the Mini-Z customizing experts. Which method should I use to strip my Autoscale body?
Any advice is very much appreciated.
edit: I’ve heard that scuffing is also an option, but this body has decals so I don’t know if scuffing would still be a viable option.
Personally, I would go with a sanding route myself. Maybe start with an 800-1000, finish with a 1500-2000, prime it, sand it some more, prime it again, paint.
I know quite a few people have used different chemical treatments, like brake fluid, but I'd be concerned about making the plastic too brittle. I don't know enough about the chemistry involved, the specific type of plastic used for Autoscales, etc., plus I'd have a container of dirty fluid to dispose of.
Personally, I would go with a sanding route myself. Maybe start with an 800-1000, finish with a 1500-2000, prime it, sand it some more, prime it again, paint.
I know quite a few people have used different chemical treatments, like brake fluid, but I'd be concerned about making the plastic too brittle. I don't know enough about the chemistry involved, the specific type of plastic used for Autoscales, etc., plus I'd have a container of dirty fluid to dispose of.
My thoughts and concerns exactly. Also, the body is a Toyota Soarer.
I've heard brake fluid, automatic trans fluid, etc. and so far, those have melted the plastic. I turned one Miata into a spaghettis noodle.
My concern with sanding is your also taking down any panel lines or detail if you get to rough with it.
I feel like as long as I can knock down the decals I should be fine, but I’ve never attempted to sand/strip decals off of a model before so I don’t know if that would even work.
There are so many options that it’s actually kind of paralyzed me into doing nothing.
that's what happens with me. I melt one car, sand down all the panel lines on another and never bother anymore. the easiest would be to just scuff the surface and repaint.
people do strip them, i just don't get a lot of clear answers on how.
I don’t mean to have no confidence in your skills, but the chances that you will invest a lot of your time and end up ruining your autoscale body are extremely high! Best bet would be sanding but it will take you a long long time to do a tidy job, if you are very patient. You will sand over some paneling (impossible not too).
just the fact that the chemicals needed are quite nasty would put me off.
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