Removing enamel or lacquer from Hero Quest minis?

[Kurgan]

So I got a partially pre-painted set of HeroQuest MIniatures online, and while I like some of the paint jobs, I wonder how easily they could be removed for improvement. I bought a bottle of Simple Green because I was told this was the "only stuff" that was safe to remove the paint without damaging the plastic figures, but that it might require weeks, even months of soaking.

Does anyone have any suggestions there? I didn't want to use anything super hazardous, but I'm wondering if I'm stuck with the enamel, some of the paint used resembles that paint used on pinewood derby cars, rather than the simple water based acrylics I'm used to using, or it could be some kind of spray varnish or lacquer. The other thing is I could simply layer my own paint over the top, but I fear losing more detail that way.

[Stig]

Oof, enamel paint is an interesting one. I have had amazing success with Biostrip for other types of paint. Waay better than anything I've tried, including dettol, spirits etc, however I'm not sure if it would work for enamel.

This sparked me to have a quick search, and I came along a similar post in another forum. The key points seem to be that it's lucky the figures are plastic and not resin, and maybe try brake fluid!

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index ... mel-paint/

[Kurgan]

Well I'm not trying to kill myself or melt the figures, but thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into it!

[Stig]

That's why I suggested looking into Biostrip - it's like PVA glue; doesn't smell or harm the figures. I was stripping with my wife next to me, and she couldn't smell a thing. I got into a lot of trouble for using dettol, but Biostrip is completely benign - and waay more effective!

[Kurgan]

Cool.

[lestodante]

I don't know Biostrip but I confirm that Dettol stinks and is not always useful.
In Italy I use also another product named NUNCAS LIVAX D20 (it is for cleaning floor).
TIP: Any product that has a plastic bottle will not damage the miniatures plastic too!

[Ragnarök]

You could also just buy a specialised paint remover. Many modelling companies also sell a paint remover, next to their kits and paints. These are for sure safe to use and won't harm the mini.

[Mophus]

I have used the "Mellerud plastic cleaner" (available in Germany) to remove old Revell enamel paint. I put the miniatures in a glas full of the liquid for a few days. Than I rubbed the paint off with a brush. I also used a needle to remove the paint in the deep recesses. It was a lot of work. Removing acrylic paint is way easier and can be achieved in seconds with the right chemical.

[Rath of Un]

I have always had success with Simple Green, I soak them for about 24 hours then hit them with an old toothbrush and warm running water.

[Kurgan]

Just a reminder to myself:

Any tips on safely removing enamels from plastics (like the Heroquest originals)?

The Reaper Minis Forum suggests using “Castrol Super Clean”

Castrol Super Clean (purple plastic bottle) won't harm plastics, not even clear plastic

so just fill up a PLASTIC sealable container with the stuff, then toss the plastics in & let it sit for a couple days, then you can just get a toothbrush & some water & they come out clean (depends on how long you let them sit in the fluid.

I have to do this all the time in my nascar model cars, I use lacquers & some enemals on those so I'm talking expereince here!!! ha ha

Also defeintly use a plastic container to fill, cause CSC will react with the metal.

Thanks!!!!