Foam Removal

Can anyone suggest a means of removing decayed foam packing which has adhered to a model train due to sitting too long in the original packing? This preferably would not involve removal of original paint much less distortion of underlying surface (metal or plastic. Any help much appreciated. Cheers, Duane Ellison

Reply to
Duane Ellison
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Scrape off as much of the foam as possible first.

Then I suggest my "wonder chemical": Lighter Fluid (or Naphta). Of course test it on a small piece of the model first. Or try 94% (but not the 75%) Isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol).

Of course do it as quickly as possible so they don't start attacking paint. The paint is probably fully cured as the models were sitting for a while. So, this might work...

Of course the above mentined chemicals are nasty and flammable - please use common sense when using them.

Good luck ! Peteski

Reply to
Peter W.

On brass ,locos I've had reasonable success removing the foam by ...

first brush the model with a stiff brush like an old toothbrush. Pick off major foam clumps with a wood toothpick.

Then work on remaining individual foam pieces with a Q-tip or similar moistened with water/detergent.

What the above does not remove, try the Q-tip with various alcohols. This may dull the finish, but rarely removes the paint unless left on for long periods.

What the above does not remove, try the Q-tip with Pine-Sol. This may dull the finish, and may attack the paint if left on for more than a minute or so.

What the above does not remove, try the Q-tip with mineral spirits (oil-based paint thinner). Use caution, this may attack the paint. Experiment in a non-visible area.

What the above does not remove, try the Q-tip with lacquer thinner. Use caution, this will likely attack the paint. Experiment in a non-visible area. With care, you may be able to remove a surface layer and NOT go all the way through the paint.

What the above does not remove, is probably now a permanent pat of the model's finish. Say 'phooey' (or worse), and strip and repaint.

Aside from sticking, the colored foams often STAIN the paint. No cure for that except repaint.

Plastic shells are more difficult, as the stronger solvents will often/usually attack the plastic.

Dan Mitchell ==========

Duane Ellis>

Reply to
Daniel A. Mitchell

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