Paint stripping

[Portoman]

Hi, I've some old Hornby goods wagons -McVitie biscuits - which I wanted to repaint. I thought I read here that brake fluid is best for removing paint. Is that only for hand painted stuff ? I soaked one in some brake fluid for 24 hrs but it looks the same ,not a budge on the paint or signage. Is there another way or spray over the factory paint the only option . What are the best colours for goods wagons ? Thanks, Dave

[burnthebox]

Hi, I've some old Hornby goods wagons -McVitie biscuits - which I wanted to repaint. I thought I read here that brake fluid is best for removing paint. Is that only for hand painted stuff ? I soaked one in some brake fluid for 24 hrs but it looks the same ,not a budge on the paint or signage. Is there another way or spray over the factory paint the only option . What are the best colours for goods wagons ? Thanks, Dave

 

Hi portoman, I do beleive brake fluid is the stuff all right, but I think you may need to use a brush to rub the old signs off, but don't do anything just yet there'll be someone on here soon who know's exactly what to do, I'm very interested in this issue as well,

Paul

[Dhu Varren]

24 hours should have been adequate for stripping factory paint. Unusual for it not to come off. I assume you are using fresh brake fluid, and not some that has been opened and lying around for some time. If brake fluid is not stored in airtight conditions, it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and loses its ability to strip paint.

I have been using brake fluid for many years, with a 99% success rate. I have had the occasional wagon where the factory applied paint refuses to come off, but they are very rare. Trains from Jouef totally refuse to strip with brake fluid, but will readily wash off with white spirit. Very messy, and requires lots of white spirit, not recommended.

[irishthump]

Try isopropyl alcohol if you can get it, it will lift just about any paint finish. Soak it overnight then scrub off with a toothbrush.

If you can't get the isopropyl alcohol then you could try using T-Cut and a cotton bud to remove the signage then just prime the wagons then repaint them.

[Glenderg]

I've seen this happen with old airfix type fish vans where the decals are almost moulded in and no amount of brake fluid nor oven cleaner will shift them. Bit of wet and dry and a fibre glass pencil may be an option, but would love to see the results using thumps suggestions.

[DiveController]

Hi, I've some old Hornby goods wagons -McVitie biscuits - which I wanted to repaint. I thought I read here that brake fluid is best for removing paint. Is that only for hand painted stuff ? I soaked one in some brake fluid for 24 hrs but it looks the same ,not a budge on the paint or signage. Is there another way or spray over the factory paint the only option . What are the best colours for goods wagons ? Thanks, Dave

Dave do you want to post a before and after to see the offending van and what works?

[WRENNEIRE]

Halfords grey primer will hide most factory finished logos, give it a second coat for luck.

This also doubles as a wagon finish,

[Warbonnet]

Brake Fluid has worked for me on factory paint but it does need scrubbing with an old toothbrush to shift.