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I recently acquired a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 with C&O markings. I tried to remove the Chesapeake and Ohio lettering from the sides of the tender with ELO. No matter how much I applied or how long I waited or brushed, nothing happened. I don't want to ruin the plastic or the finish. I can repaint the tender with an air brush if necessary, but I want to get the lettering off first. The ELO is a new can.
I appreciate any help you can give.
Dave
You could try using acetone and a Q tip.(fingernail polish remover,make sure it does not have lanolin in it) You will most likely remove some paint in the process.
I reccomend you wear latex gloves as the acetone will dryout your skin.
I use Scalecoat II paint stripper to remove lettering. Put a little on a cotton swab and rub the lettering gently until it comes off. As soon as the lettering comes off, wash the shell in soapy water to remove any stripper still on the shell so it does not attack the paint under the lettering.
You can also use super fine sandpaper to wet-sand the lettering off. I have not done this myself, but have seen others do it with great results.
Acetone and plastic do not mix. I destroyed an SD60 trying that. Would not recommend.
A safe bet is try some Pine-Sol and a Q-tip. Dab it on and let is soak for a few minutes. Remove the lettering with a clean Q-tip. It has worked for me in most caes and there's almost no chance you'll harm the plastic or the underlying paint.
pine sol is alcohol based. get rubbing alcohol, preferably at least 91% concentration. Rubbing alcohol should be less expensive than pine sol.
Thanks for your suggestions. I tried Fred's idea of fine wet sandpaper. With much caution, it worked very well for this application. I will repaint.
I purchased some of the lettering remover sold by Joe's in Erie, PA. It did remove the red BNSF from the Genesis SD75 but also the silver beneath. I like the Scalecoat and Q-tip approach. So far I have learned to live with the ugly BNSF in a few of my engines as I am out of Scalecoat remover.
I tried using 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. It did not work well on the lettering but removed the paint completely from around it. So instead of BN green with lettering I have black with lettering. Any ideas?
I tried using 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. It did not work well on the lettering but removed the paint completely from around it. So instead of BN green with lettering I have black with lettering. Any ideas?
If you are already down to the bare black plastic it sounds like the only good solution is to disassemble the engine and strip it completely. A lot more work than you had originally planned on but sometimes the longest way 'round is the shortest and best way home. A patch over job after you do get the lettering off might be ok. All depends what you want the end result to look like.
If you are already down to the bare black plastic it sounds like the only good solution is to disassemble the engine and strip it completely. A lot more work than you had originally planned on but sometimes the longest way 'round is the shortest and best way home. A patch over job after you do get the lettering off might be ok. All depends what you want the end result to look like.
Thats the problem, I wanted to leave the green.
Personally I use 100% Iso alcohol and a stiff toothbrush.... however, I've never removed jsut lettering and no paint. I doubt you'll be able to do that...
I will stick to the solvaset. I tried that a while back with great results. Not a lt of paint removal. Luckly I had some BN green to paint over it.
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