The most widely recommended and effective way to get paint off miniatures (minis) is by using Isopropyl Alcohol, particularly at a high concentration like 99.9%.
Stripping paint from miniatures allows you to clean up models with painting errors, remove old paint jobs, or prepare second-hand miniatures for painting. While various methods exist, Isopropyl Alcohol (often referred to as IPA) is a popular choice among hobbyists due to its effectiveness and accessibility. As noted in the reference, the best thing about Isopropyl Alcohol (especially 99.9% Pure) to strip paint off miniatures is that it is the same everywhere, providing a consistent and reliable result no matter where you source it.
Using Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) for Paint Stripping
Isopropyl Alcohol works by breaking down the chemical bonds in the paint, causing it to lift or soften from the surface of the miniature. This method is generally safe for most common miniature materials like hard plastic, resin, and metal, though it's always wise to test on an inconspicuous area first, especially with older or less common materials.
What You'll Need:
- Isopropyl Alcohol (99.9% Pure): Ensure it's high purity for best results.
- A Container: Glass or plastic container large enough to submerge the miniatures. Ensure it has a lid to prevent evaporation.
- Gloves: Chemical-resistant gloves to protect your skin.
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from splashes.
- Old Toothbrush or Stiff Brush: For scrubbing the loosened paint.
- Paper Towels or Rags: For cleaning up.
- Water: For rinsing the miniature after scrubbing.
The Stripping Process:
Here's a simple step-by-step guide:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Choose a well-ventilated area. Put on your gloves and safety glasses.
- Submerge the Miniatures: Place the painted miniatures carefully into the container. Pour enough Isopropyl Alcohol into the container to completely cover the miniatures.
- Soak Time: Seal the container and let the miniatures soak. The time required can vary depending on the type of paint (acrylics usually strip faster than enamels or lacquers) and the thickness of the layers.
- Acrylic paint: Often requires only a few hours to overnight.
- Tougher paints or multiple layers: May need 24-48 hours or even longer.
- Note: While IPA is generally safe, avoid leaving miniatures, especially resin ones, submerged for excessively long periods (weeks or months) as it could potentially affect the material over time.
- Check and Scrub: After the initial soaking period, remove a miniature (wearing gloves!) and use the toothbrush or stiff brush to gently scrub off the loosened paint under running water or into a separate container.
- Repeat if Necessary: If paint remains, submerge the miniature back into the IPA bath for further soaking and repeat the scrubbing process. Stubborn areas might require targeted scrubbing.
- Final Rinse: Once all the paint is removed, give the miniature a final rinse with clean water to wash away any remaining alcohol or paint debris.
- Dry: Let the miniature air dry completely before handling further or applying primer.
Tips for Success:
- High Concentration is Key: Using 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol is highly recommended over lower concentrations (like 70%) as it contains less water, which can be less effective at breaking down certain paints.
- Ventilation: IPA gives off fumes, so ensure good airflow in your workspace.
- Safety First: Always use gloves and eye protection.
- Dispose of Used IPA: Dispose of the used alcohol responsibly according to local regulations. Do not pour it down the drain.
Following these steps with Isopropyl Alcohol is a reliable method to get your miniatures back to bare material, ready for a new coat of paint.
