Props Paint stripping problems

[Akademee]

Now this post maybe not as related to other armor projects I have going, but surely someone can help me with this paint problem of mine!

Recently, I purchased over 50+ Space Marines with dreadnoughts, tanks, and bikes for dirt cheap. The only catch was that they were already painted, and quite horribly, might I add. I knew this going in so I am not complaining, but I have run into a bit of a snag.

Through research on t3h internets I managed to strip the paint completely off the models to huge success. Some of these models had, literally, a solid millimeter of paint on them. But I have run into a layer that exists on some of the models that refuses to budge. I have tried Simple green, oxy-clean, Super clean, and purple power (this being the best) and it just does not come off. It is incredibly thick and hard on these models with an almost epoxy-like texture to it. I have reason to believe this is a primer, which is on top of another primer (don't ask) on some of the models, other times it is by itself.

Are there any super-resilient model paints out there? If so, how can I get rid of them?

Thanks,
Akademee

 

[Macattack64]

Have you tried paint thinner or like nail polish remover?

 

[Akademee]

Acetone works great! the only problem is that it melts the model underneath, I believe that most nail polish removers have this compound in them and the ones labeled as no-acetone are just alcohol, which this paint also laughs at...

 

[Macattack64]

Acetone on a cotton swab? That way you can control it.

 

[Akademee]

the acetone softens the plastic on contact, any use of it destroys detail and after prolonged use, it begins to embed paint chips into the plastic itself, it is a fantastic way to ruin hundreds of dollars worth of games Workshop products. the plastic also stays softened after the acetone is washed away allowing for further damage to the models.

 

[JUSTINIAN 117]

I have heard that some painters use sandblasting equipment with baking soda instead of sand, and they swear by it. A little expensive to get started, but in the long run it would be worth it. They say it takes the paint completely off in a couple of passes, and doesn't do a thing to the actual surface.

 

[Hyperballistik]

I know that the guys who restore old model cars use Easy off oven cleaner and it don't melt the plastic, you may want to look into it