While rummaging around in a box of 1/2 done projects from a few years back, I came across one that needed paint stripping. It was an early example a paint test where I was experimenting how different brands of paint react to one another. From that initial test, it taught me why there's an order to paint use:lacquer paint must be applied first, fully cured - followed by any acrylic paint or washes.
For stripping paint, I came across a recommendation from the tabletop gaming community: using Castrol 'Super Clean': a biodegradable cleaner that works better than 'Green Cleaner' at removing paint from old miniatures (either plastic or metal).
I'll track some down this week, and give this tutorial a test using a partially painted Mattel DC Universe figure. I'm curious to see if it removes only the paint, or also attacks the superglue/sculpting compound as well.
Update: This product worked well for stripping acrylic (Vallejo/Citadel) paint. At least in Canada, it can be found at Canadian Tire in the automotive/tire area. It's since dropped the "Castrol" brand, but the automotive parts desk directed me to the product quickly. It was a bit confusing, as it wasn't shelved alongside floor/household cleaners.
2026 Update: It appears the brand continued to evolve into "Mean Green", as that's what's carried in it's place here in Canada these days.
I bought a small rubbermaid bin for the purposes of soaking figures in, and left an old project of mine in it for a day. All acrylic, non-factory paint was loosened after a day left soaking in SuperClean, and was easily removed with an old toothbrush under warm water. I tested it and left the (cleaned) version in the same tub soaking for an additional 8 hours. However, no further paint (factory paint) was loosened.
It's useful to note that paint that was sealed underneath old superglue remained, as this product doesn't dissolve cyanoacrylic glues, or Aves Apoxie Sculpt. While I haven't tested it against Kneadite/ Citadel's "Green stuff" sculpting compound, I've read online that it will detach/dissolve this compound along with acrylic paint.
Update: This product worked well for stripping acrylic (Vallejo/Citadel) paint. At least in Canada, it can be found at Canadian Tire in the automotive/tire area. It's since dropped the "Castrol" brand, but the automotive parts desk directed me to the product quickly. It was a bit confusing, as it wasn't shelved alongside floor/household cleaners.
2026 Update: It appears the brand continued to evolve into "Mean Green", as that's what's carried in it's place here in Canada these days.
I bought a small rubbermaid bin for the purposes of soaking figures in, and left an old project of mine in it for a day. All acrylic, non-factory paint was loosened after a day left soaking in SuperClean, and was easily removed with an old toothbrush under warm water. I tested it and left the (cleaned) version in the same tub soaking for an additional 8 hours. However, no further paint (factory paint) was loosened.
It's useful to note that paint that was sealed underneath old superglue remained, as this product doesn't dissolve cyanoacrylic glues, or Aves Apoxie Sculpt. While I haven't tested it against Kneadite/ Citadel's "Green stuff" sculpting compound, I've read online that it will detach/dissolve this compound along with acrylic paint.