Anyone ever removed an isopropyl alcohol thumbprint from plastic?

I think you're living the impossible dream.  isopropyl alcohol will attack many paints, and you don't fix that without more paint.

That's what I was afraid of.  There is also a decal over the spot I wrecked.  Maybe a little plastic polish?

John

It was also an N Gauge loco.  Like I said before.  I am getting too old to work on them.

John

If its just plastic you can polish it but if its paint you are out of luck. No doubt the print is thicker than the paint.

Pete

I am picturing a shiny spot from the polish that will be more noticeable than the thumbprint.

John

Here it is:

John

I wonder if gently rubbing with more alcohol on the black parts, not the lettering, might get them somewhat back?    It might be worth a try on some junk parts to see how it will work. 

If the surface is smooth, just dulled, an over spray of clear satin finish, or clear flat depending on your taste usualy does wonders to miss matched shades of paint - especially clear flat.

If this is a model, as opposed to a collector piece, some light weathering and the over spray might be a good idea.

I second what prrjim said ,sounds like a good idea .

This post should be included in the sickening feel thread also.

Thanks for the suggestions.  Worth a shot.  ON the other hand, I put it on the test track and the transformer showed an overload.  If that replicates itself, I guess it will go back to Bachmann for service (replacement).   They are good about that.

John

One more vote for weathering.

Or convince yourself you wanted to update your Hudson to a PT Tender anyhow.

I'd wet sand it stepping up through through the 1500-3000 grits and maybe micro mesh, feathering out the edges followed up with the plastic polish.

Sounds stupid, but have you considered a light coat of Johnson's Car Paste Wax?  It dries fast and buffs up bright really easily.

I would surely try this before anything more complicated.

Mannyrock

I'm a little surprised alcohol would do that much damage. Almost looks like what acetone would do.

Brad

@Craftech posted:

It was also an N Gauge loco.  Like I said before.  I am getting too old to work on them.

John

I put an alcohol thumbprint on an N scale model when I was in my 20s. So don’t beat yourself up on the age factor.

Some Mequirar's Plastx might at least put a shine on it.  If not you will have a great clear plastic car and SUV headlight restorer.

Charlie

@Choo Choo Charlie posted:

Some Mequirar's Plastx might at least put a shine on it.  If not you will have a great clear plastic car and SUV headlight restorer.

Charlie

Thanks,

Worth a shot.

John

@Jim R. posted:

I put an alcohol thumbprint on an N scale model when I was in my 20s. So don’t beat yourself up on the age factor.

Now I don't feel so bad.

Thanks,

John

My Menards Santa Fe diesel came from the factory with fingerprints already included in the paint. I didn't have to do a thing to get them.