I've never done this before, but I'm trying to figure out to remove some of Hasbro's factory paint applications from a few recent figures. Does anyone have any good ways to do this? I've read that a pencil eraser can work, but I've tried it and it seems to take forever and wear the eraser down to nothing.

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is on indefinite hiatus...

If anyone's going to know, I would think it would be Outrider........

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Coming soon: 'JoeSpecialOps'

Actually, you've got me there, I'm usually applying paint rather than removing it! But I do know you need to be very careful using solvents on anything made of plastic. Solvents can acually get into the plastic and degrade the plasticizer, which is the ingredient that gives plastics their flexibility. Once that happens, it can never be repaired.

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"The future's uncertain and the end is always near." - The Doors "Roadhouse Blues".

Acetone can melt plastic so I'd be very careful using it on toys.

I use non-acetone nail polish remover. The results are varied though.

I used non-Acetone nail polish remover to remove the giant blue trapeze on the Wet-Suit torso that my Hiryu custom uses: http://www.joedios.com/dioramas/sho...r&imageuser=270
And while you can't see them, I also used this product to remove the "badges" that were on the 91 Grunt's jacket to make that Clutch custom.

I usually just put some of the nail polish remover on a Q-tip and rub it against the paint I want to remove. Sometimes I use paper towels to rub too. It depends on the area.

Just be careful using this stuff.

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RIP Minouche, 1994-2009.

Alyosha of Alyosha's Corner custom parts uses laquer thinner to remove factory paint.

I recommend EXTREME caution to avoid damaging the figure,your furniture,and your health.If you can get a Respirator,use it!

I might as well throw my penny in. Or dollar .. or is it cents..
Oh well.. here goes..

I used a brand of Graffiti remover. It was environment friendly. The types they might use at high schools. So no this isnt' a license to go and rob your high school buildings manager/caretaker
You can get it online somewhere either in a small tub or spray.. it works really well on most paints and i think being plastic based its not likely to destroy the heck out of your joes..
The only thing i'd advise is make sure your either outdoors or have well ventilated areas when using it.
Rich

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I use straight acetone. The major ingredient in nail polish remover. You can get a can at Wal-Mart or pretty much any hardware store. Just use a q-tip or a cotton ball depending on what the job requires.

Edit:

I tried to find a good example of how well it works, this is the best I could find:

http://www.joedios.com/dioramas/sho...&imageuser=1397

I removed the brown paint from Stormy's tunic trim and sandals. Heck you could make an all white V2 with it if you wanted. But I will say be carefull with how much as it's literally death to paint apps. Also on harder plastics, such as torsos if you apply to much at once it will start to eat away at the plastic, but that's a worst case senario.

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Looks That Stuff Works Great

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Another solution I have used (though not recently) is actual nail polish.

NOT "remover!" If you read the word "remover" in the first sentence, it's not there....and your mind must have filled it in...

Actual nail polish. (I'd choose something clear just to be safe, but try the experiment with whatever wife or girlfriend or mom or you have on hand. Obviously, ask permission first if it doesn't belong to you... )

Carefully apply a drop to the area you want to remove. Wait a few seconds then wipe off with an old rag or paper towel.

I have successfully removed a Storm Shadow v1 Cobra mark and the camo from Tunnel Rat v1's arms and face with this technique.

Also, after painting a Hot Wheels car a different color, my brother and I were able to get back to the base coat with this color. It seems to penetrate down only to the top layer.

Hope that helps!

As with all cutomizing, it's not an exact science. Please be careful and always use such products with adequate ventilation.