Relettering MTH steam engine.

Dave,

I do this all the time.

Acetone with a lint free cloth.  Wipe fast and blow on it to evaporate.

Do not try this with plastic.  Diecast only.

Dave 

David Minarik posted:

Dave,

I do this all the time.

Acetone with a lint free cloth.  Wipe fast and blow on it to evaporate.

Do not try this with plastic.  Diecast only.

Dave 

Does this avoid cutting into the base paint?  

darlander posted:

David Minarik posted:

Dave,

I do this all the time.

Acetone with a lint free cloth.  Wipe fast and blow on it to evaporate.

Do not try this with plastic.  Diecast only.

Dave 

Does this avoid cutting into the base paint?  

Yes.  

Start with quick wipes.  I have never had it cut too much into the base.  

David Minarik posted:

darlander posted:

David Minarik posted:

Dave,

I do this all the time.

Acetone with a lint free cloth.  Wipe fast and blow on it to evaporate.

Do not try this with plastic.  Diecast only.

Dave 

Does this avoid cutting into the base paint?  

Yes.  

Start with quick wipes.  I have never had it cut too much into the base.  

Thanks Dave, I will give it a try in a few days. 

Dave

@David Minarik posted:

Dave,

I do this all the time.

Acetone with a lint free cloth.  Wipe fast and blow on it to evaporate.

Do not try this with plastic.  Diecast only.

Dave

David, is the acetone with quick wipes still the best method. I have an engine I want to reletter the cab and tender. Thanks

@ChiTown Steve posted:

Dave, is the acetone with quick wipes still the best method. I have an engine I want to reletter the cab and tender. Thanks

Just be aware its really only safe on black diecast. Other base colors are not as durable. I use lacquer thinner which has some acetone but also safe for black.

Pete

@Norton posted:

Just be aware its really only safe on black diecast. Other base colors are not as durable. I use lacquer thinner which has some acetone but also safe for black.

Pete

Thanks. I have a couple I want to do and all are black die cast so I should be good. I’ll start with the cheapest one. 🤣

@ChiTown Steve posted:

Thanks. I have a couple I want to do and all are black die cast so I should be good. I’ll start with the cheapest one. 🤣

No need to flood it either,…..I like to use a microfiber rag, (one that’s been washed already)  just damp with lacquer thinner,or a Q-tip …..the numbers & or letters will simply wipe away,……don’t be so quick to reapply letters/numbers. I like to let the black “heal” before I begin new work. The lacquer doesn’t harm the black, but it does soften it just a wee tiny bit, so best to let it gas back out before applying decals, or vinyl,….I usually let it sit for about an hour…..

Pat

what about pennsey green by mth? I have a 2-8-0 H3 consolidation I would like to remove the tender lettering also.

@Lionelzwl2012 posted:

what about pennsey green by mth? I have a 2-8-0 H3 consolidation I would like to remove the tender lettering also.

Try your solvent on the inside first. You will know right away if its safe.

Pete

@harmonyards posted:

No need to flood it either,…..I like to use a microfiber rag, (one that’s been washed already)  just damp with lacquer thinner,or a Q-tip …..the numbers & or letters will simply wipe away,……don’t be so quick to reapply letters/numbers. I like to let the black “heal” before I begin new work. The lacquer doesn’t harm the black, but it does soften it just a wee tiny bit, so best to let it gas back out before applying decals, or vinyl,….I usually let it sit for about an hour…..

Pat

Thanks Pat for all the help. Experience is the best teacher so thanks for passing this on. I’ll do the removal next week and show you how it’s going.

thanks pete.

If you try this on an engine and see the base paint coming off try plan B which is Testors Easy Lift Off (ELO). Test that first on an inconspicuous area. It too may lift some base paint but generally the lettering comes off first. Its nowhere near as fast as Lacquer thinner.

Pete

I use lacquer thinner on a q-tip. Start out with a tiny amount. I also only use it on die cast. Most of the time I can apply new decals without any paint touch up beforehand. Good luck with your project!

@ChiTown Steve posted:

David, is the acetone with quick wipes still the best method. I have an engine I want to reletter the cab and tender. Thanks

Steve,

This is still my favorite method.  Color doesn't make a difference.  DO NOT TRY IT ON PLASTIC!

Just quick wipes

Small amounts of acetone

@David Minarik posted:

Steve,

This is still my favorite method.  Color doesn't make a difference.  DO NOT TRY IT ON PLASTIC!

Just quick wipes

Small amounts of acetone

Thanks David, appreciate the help. Steve