Paint removing query

[Fifer54]

I have been told that the only stupid question is the one you don't ask, so.......

I've heard about the "chemical" ways to remove paint from a model (I've used them

successfully!), but is there a way to protect some paint if you don't want all the paint

removed? What I'm thinking is, I have a Eduard 1/48 P-400 Airacobra on which the

paint went wrong at the "gloss varnish" stage with a very unsatisfactory finish that I

want to remove and start again. I'm quite happy for all the exterior paint to come off,

but other than closing up the cockpit by adding the canopy and doors, can I prevent the

paint on the interior, the cockpit, coming off? Or do I have to paint the 'pit again as well?

I suppose what I'm asking is can I successfully mask off the 'pit when stripping paint?

[Dave Fleming]

You could try masking, but you might get seepage. - what I'd try is brushing on the stripper so it only takes a little out at a time. Is the finish so bad that you couldn't use Micromesh to smooth off the varnish?

What sort of paint are you using?

[Fifer54]

The plane is painted in Humbrol enamel. The "varnish"

is MicroScale's " Micro Gloss". The problems with the

finish are streakiness (after several coats) and air

bubbles, OMG what air bubbles! On an initial attempt

at sanding it out, the finish looked worse, so I concluded

that I ought to get rid of it and start again!

[Alex Gordon]

Micro Gloss is water based isn't it? Might be worth soaking the whole lot in water and see if that works.It won't affect the enamel paint unless you have used an acrylic undercoat.If soaking all is not an option then wrapping the exterior in wet tissue paper and keeping it wet is a bit more surgical.