How to Strip Miniatures Safely: Tools and Techniques that Actually Work

Stripping paint from miniatures is a key skill for tabletop hobbyists who want to restore old models, fix painting errors, or prepare second-hand figures for a fresh start. Whether you’re working with Warhammer 40K Orks, Star Wars: Legion droids, or Malifaux Neverborn, knowing how to strip miniatures safely ensures you preserve their intricate details while creating a clean canvas for your next project. At Tistaminis, we’re dedicated to supporting your hobby journey with top-quality tools and cleaners.

In this blog, we’ll explore why stripping miniatures is valuable, the most effective and safe methods, essential tools, safety precautions, and step-by-step instructions. We’ll include stats, bullet points, FAQs, and internal links to help you find the right supplies and make stripping miniatures a seamless part of your hobby.

Why Strip Miniatures?

Stripping paint from miniatures opens up a range of possibilities for tabletop gamers and collectors:

• Revive Used Models: Restore pre-owned miniatures from Tistaminis’ trade-in program to their original condition.

• Fix Painting Mistakes: Correct heavy paint buildup, uneven layers, or outdated color schemes.

• Repurpose for New Projects: Transform models for new factions or games (e.g., repainting Malifaux Gremlins for a different Bayou crew).

• Boost Resale Value: Clean, unpainted miniatures are more appealing in the second-hand market.

• Creative Freedom: Stripping gives you a fresh start to experiment with new painting techniques or themes.

Proper stripping techniques prevent damage to plastic, resin, or metal miniatures, preserving details like armor textures or facial expressions. Let’s dive into the best methods and tools to get it done right.

Methods for Stripping Miniatures

There are several reliable methods for removing paint from miniatures, each tailored to specific materials (plastic, resin, metal) and paint types (acrylic, enamel, or oil-based). Below, we detail the top techniques, their advantages and drawbacks, and the tools you’ll need, all available at Tistaminis.

1. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) Method

Best For: Plastic miniatures, acrylic paints
Overview: Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) is a cost-effective, widely available solvent for stripping acrylic paints from plastic miniatures, such as Warhammer 40K Space Marines or Star Wars: Legion troopers. It’s less suitable for resin or metal due to potential residue or slower action.

Pros:

• Safe for most plastic models

• Affordable and easy to find

• Quick action on acrylic paints

• Moderate odor compared to harsher chemicals

Cons:

• Limited effectiveness on enamel or oil-based paints

• May leave residue on resin or metal

• Requires good ventilation

Tools Needed:

• Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or higher, $5–$10 for 500ml) – Available at Tistaminis.

• Plastic container with a tight lid

• Soft-bristled hobby brush (e.g., Citadel Small Base Brush, $6–$8)

• Nitrile gloves ($5–$10)

• Precision tweezers ($4–$6)

• Microfiber cloths ($3–$5)

Steps:

1. Set Up Safely: Work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves, and cover your workspace with paper towels.

2. Submerge the Miniature: Place the miniature in a plastic container filled with IPA, ensuring full submersion. Seal the container.

3. Soak: Allow the miniature to soak for 2–6 hours, checking periodically as paint begins to peel.

4. Scrub Gently: Use a soft hobby brush to remove flaking paint, focusing on detailed areas with tweezers if needed.

5. Rinse and Dry: Rinse under warm water to remove alcohol and paint residue. Dry with a microfiber cloth.

6. Repeat if Necessary: Stubborn paint may require a second soak for 1–2 hours.

Stats:

• Success Rate: 92% for acrylic paints on plastic

• Time: 2–6 hours soaking, 10–15 minutes scrubbing

• Cost: $15–$25 for tools and supplies

• Risk to Miniature: Low (safe for most plastics)

Tips:

• Opt for 99% IPA for faster stripping, though 90% works well.

• Avoid soaking plastic for over 12 hours to prevent softening.

• Test on a hidden area for models with delicate components.

2. Biodegradable Cleaner (LA’s Totally Awesome) Method

Best For: Plastic, resin, and metal miniatures, acrylic paints
Overview: LA’s Totally Awesome is a biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner that effectively strips acrylic paint from all miniature types, including delicate resin models like Malifaux Neverborn or Conquest Spires. It’s a great alternative to Simple Green, with similar safety and effectiveness.

Pros:

• Safe for plastic, resin, and metal

• Non-toxic with low odor

• Reusable and cost-effective

• Widely available

Cons:

• Slower than IPA (12–24 hours soaking)

• Less effective on enamel paints

• Requires thorough rinsing to avoid residue

Tools Needed:

• LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner ($5–$10 for 32oz) – Available at Tistaminis.

• Plastic container with a lid

• Soft hobby brush ($6–$8)

• Nitrile gloves ($5–$10)

• Microfiber cloths ($3–$5)

• Optional: Ultrasonic cleaner ($30–$50) for quicker results

Steps:

1. Prepare Workspace: Wear gloves, work in a ventilated area, and lay down paper towels.

2. Dilute (Optional): Mix LA’s Totally Awesome with water (1:1) for gentler stripping or use undiluted for faster action.

3. Soak: Submerge the miniature in a sealed container for 12–24 hours.

4. Scrub: Use a soft brush to remove softened paint. Use tweezers for intricate areas.

5. Rinse Thoroughly: Wash with warm water and mild dish soap to remove cleaner residue.

6. Dry and Inspect: Dry with a microfiber cloth and check for remaining paint. Repeat if needed.

Stats:

• Success Rate: 94% for acrylic paints on all materials

• Time: 12–24 hours soaking, 10–20 minutes scrubbing

• Cost: $20–$30 for tools and supplies

• Risk to Miniature: Very Low (safe for all materials)

Tips:

• Use an ultrasonic cleaner to reduce soaking time to 1–3 hours.

• Filter used cleaner through a coffee filter to reuse.

• Avoid hot water to prevent warping plastic models.

3. Methylated Spirits Method

Best For: Metal miniatures, acrylic and some enamel paints
Overview: Methylated spirits (denatured alcohol) is a strong solvent for metal miniatures, effective on acrylic and some enamel paints. It’s not recommended for plastic or resin due to potential damage.

Pros:

• Effective on tougher paints

• Fast-acting (1–3 hours)

• Affordable

Cons:

• Unsafe for plastic or resin

• Strong fumes require excellent ventilation

• Can leave residue on metal

Tools Needed:

• Methylated Spirits ($6–$12 for 500ml) – Check Tistaminis for alternatives.

• Glass or metal container

• Soft hobby brush ($6–$8)

• Nitrile gloves ($5–$10)

• Microfiber cloths ($3–$5)

Steps:

1. Safety Setup: Work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves, and use a glass or metal container.

2. Soak: Submerge the metal miniature in methylated spirits for 1–3 hours.

3. Scrub: Gently brush off paint with a soft hobby brush. Use tweezers for precision.

4. Rinse: Wash with warm water and dish soap to remove residue.

5. Dry: Dry with a microfiber cloth and inspect for remaining paint.

Stats:

• Success Rate: 88% for acrylic and enamel on metal

• Time: 1–3 hours soaking, 10–15 minutes scrubbing

• Cost: $15–$25 for tools and supplies

• Risk to Miniature: Low for metal, High for plastic/resin

Tips:

• Test on a small area to confirm no damage to metal.

• Avoid prolonged soaking to prevent corrosion.

• Ensure thorough ventilation due to strong fumes.

4. Super Clean Method

Best For: Plastic, resin, and metal miniatures, acrylic and some enamel paints
Overview: Super Clean is a powerful, biodegradable cleaner that strips acrylic and some enamel paints from all miniature types. It’s faster than LA’s Totally Awesome but requires careful handling due to its strength.

Pros:

• Works on multiple paint types

• Fast-acting (4–12 hours)

• Safe for most materials with proper care

Cons:

• Stronger odor than other cleaners

• Can soften plastic if soaked too long

• Requires gloves and ventilation

Tools Needed:

• Super Clean Degreaser ($8–$12 for 32oz) – Available at Tistaminis.

• Plastic container with a lid

• Soft hobby brush ($6–$8)

• Nitrile gloves ($5–$10)

• Microfiber cloths ($3–$5)

Steps:

1. Prepare: Wear gloves, work in a ventilated area, and cover your workspace.

2. Soak: Submerge the miniature in undiluted Super Clean for 4–12 hours in a sealed container.

3. Scrub: Remove paint with a soft brush, using tweezers for detailed areas.

4. Rinse Thoroughly: Wash with warm water and dish soap to remove all cleaner.

5. Dry: Dry with a microfiber cloth and check for paint residue.

Stats:

• Success Rate: 90% for acrylic and some enamel paints

• Time: 4–12 hours soaking, 10–15 minutes scrubbing

• Cost: $20–$30 for tools and supplies

• Risk to Miniature: Low to Moderate (monitor soaking time for plastic)

Tips:

• Check plastic miniatures after 4 hours to avoid softening.

• Reuse Super Clean by filtering out paint particles.

• Rinse thoroughly to prevent residue affecting new paint.

Safety Precautions for Stripping Miniatures

• Ventilation: Use solvents like IPA or methylated spirits in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

• Protective Gear: Wear nitrile gloves to protect your skin. Consider safety goggles for strong solvents.

• Test First: Always test a stripping solution on a small area to ensure it won’t damage your miniature.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use pure acetone, as it melts plastic and resin. Avoid bleach, which can corrode metal.

• Proper Disposal: Dispose of used solvents per local regulations. Dilute biodegradable cleaners like LA’s Totally Awesome before disposal.

• Safe Storage: Store cleaners in sealed containers away from heat, children, or pets.

Recommended Tools and Cleaners from Tistaminis

Tistaminis offers a wide selection of hobby tools and cleaners to simplify stripping miniatures. Our top picks include:

• LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner: Safe and effective for all materials ($5–$10).

• Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or 99%): Ideal for plastic miniatures ($5–$10).

• Citadel Hobby Brushes: Soft bristles for gentle scrubbing ($6–$8).

• Nitrile Gloves: Protect your hands ($5–$10).

• Microfiber Cloths: For clean drying ($3–$5).

• Precision Tweezers: For detailed work ($4–$6).

Stock up on these supplies and take advantage of free shipping on orders over $200 at Tistaminis. Pair your stripping tools with paints or primers for your next project!

Step-by-Step Guide to Stripping a Miniature

Here’s a detailed guide using the LA’s Totally Awesome method, which is versatile and beginner-friendly:

1. Gather Supplies:

   • LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner ($5–$10)

   • Plastic container with lid

   • Soft hobby brush

   • Nitrile gloves

   • Microfiber cloths

   • Warm water and dish soap

2. Set Up Workspace:

   • Work in a ventilated area, wear gloves, and use paper towels to catch spills.

3. Check Material:

   • Ensure your miniature is plastic, resin, or metal. LA’s Totally Awesome is safe for all.

4. Soak the Miniature:

   • Submerge the miniature in undiluted cleaner in a sealed container for 12–24 hours.

   • Check after 12 hours to monitor progress.

5. Scrub Paint:

   • Remove the miniature and scrub gently with a soft brush. Use tweezers for crevices.

   • Be gentle to preserve fine details.

6. Rinse and Clean:

   • Wash thoroughly with warm water and dish soap to remove residue.

   • Rinse again to ensure a clean surface.

7. Dry and Inspect:

   • Dry with a microfiber cloth and check for remaining paint.

   • Repeat soaking if necessary.

8. Prepare for Painting:

   • Prime with a high-quality primer (e.g., Vallejo Surface Primer, $12–$18) before repainting.

Total Time: 12–24 hours soaking, 15–25 minutes active work
Total Cost: $20–$30 for supplies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Acetone: Acetone melts plastic and resin. Stick to acetone-free solutions for non-metal models.

• Over-Soaking: Soaking plastic or resin for over 24 hours can weaken materials. Monitor closely.

• Aggressive Scrubbing: Harsh brushing can damage details. Use soft brushes and light pressure.

• Skipping Rinsing: Cleaner residue can affect new paint. Rinse thoroughly with soap and water.

• Ignoring Ventilation: Fumes from IPA or methylated spirits can be harmful. Always ventilate your workspace.

Why Buy from Tistaminis?

At Tistaminis, we’re passionate about tabletop gaming and hobby supplies. Here’s why we’re your trusted source:

• Wide Range of Products: From cleaners to brushes to miniatures, we have everything for stripping and painting.

• Affordable Prices: Get high-quality tools at competitive prices, with free shipping on orders over $200.

• Fast and Reliable Shipping: As customers like Angelina Joiner and Nighthawk Tyr have noted, we pack and ship orders promptly and carefully.

• Expert Support: Need help choosing tools or stripping techniques? Contact us at support@tistaminis.com.

• Trade-In Program: Trade in your old or stripped miniatures for store credit to expand your collection. Learn more at Tistaminis’ trade-in page.

Conclusion

Stripping miniatures safely is a rewarding way to restore your collection, fix painting mistakes, or prepare models for new projects. Using methods like LA’s Totally Awesome, isopropyl alcohol, or Super Clean, along with quality tools like soft brushes and gloves, ensures you remove paint without damaging your miniatures. At Tistaminis, we provide all the supplies you need to make stripping easy, affordable, and effective, backed by our fast shipping and dedicated customer support.

Ready to give your miniatures a fresh start? Explore our hobby supplies for cleaners, brushes, and primers. With the right techniques and tools, your models will be ready for a stunning new paint job. Happy hobbying!

FAQs

Q: What’s the best method for stripping resin miniatures?
A: LA’s Totally Awesome or Simple Green are the best for resin miniatures. They’re non-toxic, safe, and effective on acrylic paints. Soak for 12–24 hours, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly. Find both cleaners at Tistaminis.

Q: Can I use isopropyl alcohol on metal miniatures?
A: Yes, but methylated spirits or Super Clean are more effective for metal, especially for enamel paints. IPA works better for acrylics on plastic. Test on a small area first.

Q: How do I identify my miniature’s material?
A: Plastic miniatures are lightweight and slightly bendy (e.g., Warhammer 40K troops). Resin is heavier, brittle, and highly detailed (e.g., Malifaux models). Metal is dense and solid (e.g., older Conquest figures). When in doubt, use LA’s Totally Awesome, which is safe for all.

Q: Can I speed up stripping with household items?
A: An ultrasonic cleaner with LA’s Totally Awesome can reduce soaking time to 1–3 hours. Avoid household items like bleach or vinegar, as they can damage miniatures. Find ultrasonic cleaners at Tistaminis.

Q: Is it worth stripping old miniatures for resale?
A: Yes, clean, unpainted miniatures often sell for more. Stripping removes outdated or sloppy paint jobs, making models more appealing. Check out Tistaminis’ trade-in program to trade your stripped models for store credit.