Nickatnite Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Hello everyone, I need some opinions and suggestions on painting my MTH Dash-8. I've seen pictures of this engine, as new and they are glossy. I've also seen plenty of older units with satin, or flat paint. I could paint it gloss and then use a dull coat after applying the decals. Should I use gloss, or satin ? I also wanted opinions on removing old paint. I've tried isopropyl alcohol and oven cleaner with no effects on the paint. I could use something stronger, or like I've always done, just use very fine sandpaper to rub out the decals and prime it. Any thoughts ? Thanks for your time. Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwy Nick Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 Stan Cedarleaf recommends first spraying the model with a glossy coat if it is not already glossy paint. After applying the decals a few light coats with satin makes the decals disappear. I have used his decals and procedure many times and never an issue. About removing the paint, been many many postings that work on some manufacturers and not on others. Since it is an MTH product I bet Ray has the solution. LiG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickatnite Posted September 20, 2019 Author Share Posted September 20, 2019 Thanks for your input. I was talking about a clear dull coat, after the decals. Thank also for getting me in touch with Stan regarding the decals. He made me 2 sets of beautiful CN decals, can't wait to apply them. Never would have found decals without you, or him, so thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Posted September 22, 2019 Share Posted September 22, 2019 The toughest paint that I've ever come across to remove from a locomotive is MTH. They use a self etching primer that really bites in. What I used to do was completely strip everything out of the shell then submerge the whole thing in a big sealable container of 91% Isopropyl alcohol and let it set a day or two then use various brushes/ toothbrushes and go at removing the paint. Flat, Matte, Satin or High Gloss...depends on what you want. I stick with flat or Matte. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickatnite Posted September 22, 2019 Author Share Posted September 22, 2019 So what is your opinion on just lightly sanding the decals down, washing it, then priming it ? Thanks for the info and tips ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Posted September 22, 2019 Share Posted September 22, 2019 Well I don't do it that way...never have and never will as believe in stripping and starting over...less paint coats means better showing details. But now I have seen pics on various forums of people doing just the sanding bit and they look just fine but they "hide" the real finish by using camera angles that shy away from reflections etc. Nowadays I blast paint off my trains using a Harbor Tools blast cabinet and a form of baking soda for the blasting media. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickatnite Posted September 22, 2019 Author Share Posted September 22, 2019 Ok, thanks for your input. I just can't see myself submerging the shell in alcohol, that's a lot of alcohol! Hummmmm, I'll keep pondering the idea. Thanks again! Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickatnite Posted September 26, 2019 Author Share Posted September 26, 2019 Ok, so I tried oven cleaner again, this time I sprayed it and forgot about it overnight. This is the result. No body melting, which is good and it stripped it all the way down. Looks like I'll be spraying more today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Posted September 29, 2019 Share Posted September 29, 2019 Glad you found a stripper that works! I don't like using harsh chemicals as I've burned my hands enough. The alcohol bath isn't as harsh but like you stated...need like 2 gallons to submerge it. I made a container out of big plastic pipe with a cap glued on 1 end and cover on opposite end. Personally I like using Harbor Tools Iron Clad self etching primer on bare plastic...cheap but it sprays real nice and dries fast. https://www.harborfreight.com/12-oz-iron-armor-gray-self-etching-primer-spray-paint-60784.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nickatnite Posted September 30, 2019 Author Share Posted September 30, 2019 Thanks ! it stinks, but works. This paint is really on there ! I've been trying to strip the cab for 2 days now and I'm still not done. I'll try that Harbor freight primer, thanks for the tip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 I believe it! MTH paint is about the worse I've ever tried to remove...which is a good thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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