Here is how to safely strip paint off miniatures, plus the best method to remove it from resin, plastic, and metal takes just about a minute!
Originally published in 2020. Updated on September 11th, 2025, by Rob Baer with the latest tools, information, and links.
Stripping paint from miniatures doesn’t have to feel like a nightmare project. With the right method, you can safely strip paint off resin, plastic, and metal models in just about a minute, giving those minis a fresh start.
Whether it’s a rescue job from eBay or fixing a color scheme that went sideways, knowing how to remove paint without damaging details is a must-have skill for any hobbyist.
In this guide, we’ll break down the safest and most effective ways to get your models looking factory fresh again.
Best Ways To Remove Paint From Models
Stripping models is one of those hobby chores every Warhammer player eventually runs into. Maybe your first army was painted in neon orange, maybe you scored a cheap secondhand squad, or maybe you just want a fresh start on a classic sculpt.
Whatever the case, knowing how to strip paint from miniatures the right way saves you cash and keeps your models intact.
After years of testing everything from nail polish remover to garage-grade degreasers, one product consistently stands above the rest for us: Testors Easy Lift Off (ELO).
This paint stripper for models works on plastic, resin, and metal miniatures without melting details or leaving a sticky mess. Let’s break it down.
How to Strip Paint from Plastic Models
Plastic is tricky because harsh chemicals can warp or soften it. That’s why many hobbyists waste time with long soaks in isopropyl alcohol paint remover or household cleaners. Those methods work, but they take forever and sometimes damage details.
ELO makes stripping paint from plastic miniatures fast and painless. Pour a small amount into a container, dip your brush, and start scrubbing the model. You don’t need to dunk the whole figure; just brushing is enough. In less than a minute, the paint flakes off, leaving your plastic clean and ready for primer.
Whether it’s Space Marines, Tyranids, or a towering Imperial Knight, the process is the same. Set up your safety gear (gloves when handling, and goggles), grab a container, stack some paper towels, and keep an old toothbrush nearby. Pour out just a little ELO, brush it over the mini, and watch the paint vanish almost instantly.
The beauty of ELO is consistency. Warhammer stripping paint isn’t fun if you have to babysit models in a jar for days. With this method, you can clean a whole squad in a single hobby session.
How to Remove Paint from Warhammer 40k Models
Warhammer 40k players know how quickly backlogs grow. One week it’s a Kill Team, next week it’s an army-wide repaint. When you’re tackling multiple minis, you need efficiency.
ELO lets you strip an entire batch of 40k models without wasting time. Just brush on the solution, wipe away the paint, rinse the model, and move on to the next. Green stuff conversions, superglue joins, and fine details stay untouched.
The best part? You can reuse the leftover liquid by pouring it back into the bottle or sealing it in a container for next time.
If you’ve been wrestling with removing paint from miniatures using isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover, switching to ELO feels like cheating in the best way.
How to Remove Paint from Metal Warhammer Models
Metal minis are tough, but they come with their own challenges. Older Warhammer models, especially pewter ones, tend to have fine detail work that can be lost if you scrub too aggressively.
ELO is gentle enough that you don’t need brute force. A quick brush and rinse lifts layers of old paint, even from recessed details. Unlike harsher strippers, it doesn’t corrode or pit the metal. If you’ve got classic Chaos champions or vintage Guard officers in need of rescuing, this is the safest bet.
What About Other Paint Strippers for Models?
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Over the years, hobbyists have tried almost everything:
- Dettol is a concentrated antiseptic that some people have used for minis.
- Nail Polish Remover is a common method for many hobbyists. However, it’s far harder than Testors!
- Simple Green is a disinfectant that some people use for stripping minis, but we haven’t tried it yet.
- Castrol Super Clean is an automotive degreaser that can be found quite easily.
- Biostrip 20 is a water-based paint remover made initially for brick.
- Isopropyl Alcohol is a popular choice for stripping paint from miniatures, especially plastics, since it’s easy to find and works quickly.
- Testors Easy Lift Off is a hobby paint remover designed specifically for models, making it a go-to option for many painters.
All of these can technically handle removing paint from miniatures, but none combine speed, safety, and ease of use like Testors ELO.
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Safety Tips When Stripping Models
Even the best product needs a little caution. Wear gloves to keep your hands from tingling, and goggles to avoid eye contact. Work in a ventilated area, and keep your “cleaning brush” separate from anything that goes near your mouth. You’ll thank yourself later.
Why Testors ELO Is the Best Option
Here’s the bottom line: this stuff works fast, stripping models in under a minute. It’s versatile enough for plastic, resin, and metal, and you can even pour it back to reuse later. Best of all, it’s gentle enough to handle your more delicate models without wrecking them.
If your goal is saving time and preserving detail, there’s no better paint stripper for models. So, if you’re working on a single Warhammer hero or an entire secondhand army, ELO gets you back to painting faster.
Final Thoughts From Us: How To Strip Paint From Miniatures
Knowing how to strip paint from plastic Warhammer models isn’t just about cleaning minis; it’s about keeping your hobby fun and frustration-free. Even metal classics benefit from a careful brush with ELO.
Other methods exist, but they’re slower, harsher, and more frustrating. Testors ELO is the go-to solution for anyone serious about removing paint from miniatures without turning it into a week-long chemistry experiment.
So next time you’ve got an army in need of a fresh start, skip the soaking jars and harsh removers. Grab a bottle of ELO, a toothbrush, and a bit of patience. Your models will look like new, and you’ll actually have time left to paint them.
At the end of the day, stripping paint doesn’t need to feel like a punishment. With the right product and a toothbrush, you can clear off years of questionable color choices in minutes and get back to the fun part of the hobby.
Testors ELO keeps details sharp, saves you time, and spares you from babysitting jars of soaking models. Next time you’re eyeing that secondhand squad or regretting a bold color scheme, grab the bottle, suit up with gloves, and get those minis ready for a proper paint job.
Click Here To Get Your Testors Easy Lift Off
