Star Wars: Removing spray paint from Abs Plastic helmet

[captblitzdawg]

I taped up my X-Wing helmet to paint a design on it, and after it dried I removed the painters tape only to find some had seeped in under the edges here and there. I tried fine grain sandpaper and didn't like what it was doing. I tried scraping it with a chisel head exacto and was afraid I would gouge the plastic. Someone suggested using nail polish remover but warned it could melt the plastic. I was hoping to have this ready for Star Wars Reads Day on Oct. 10. Any ideas that won't damage the plastic, too are welcome. Thanks!

 

[chefhawk]

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=removing+paint+from+plastic

it all depends on the plastic the helmet is made from.
hope that helps

 

[Darth Lars]

I would try isopropylene alcohol using q-tips. Most spray paints are more or less soluble with alcohol, and alcohol should not hurt ABS. Denatured ethanol could also work, but there is a small risk of it damaging the plastic.
If alcohol does not work, I would try acetone or nail-polish remover carefully, making sure that whatever is left on the plastic after each stroke evaporates quickly.
Nail-polish remover is sometimes acetone but more commonly ethylacetate - which is quite similar to acetone.
With each q-tip, never dip or wipe more than once: grab a new one.

However, if your spray paint is oil-based enamel then you would have to use paint thinner. That should not hurt ABS plastic itself, but could hurt the gloss coating that some ABS plastic sheets have.

If you get any streaks and stuff left, then that would only be the start of the "weathering".
BTW. One way to weather a X-wing helmet is to rub it with the end of a burned cork, and wiping off the excess soot. Don't do all at once: repeat rubbing and wiping until you get the desired effect. Cheap and simple, and I heard a rumour that that was how they did it for the movie - although I can't verify that.

 

[luke moonwalker]

Check out a Magic Eraser. It's actually a super super fine abrasive and I've used one to take paint off of plastic before without marring the surface like sandpaper. Just takes a while

 

[A2E]

I use brake fluid from the automotive section to strip paint off of old models I screwed up as a child. I know it sounds weird, but it works great without harming the plastic. just let it soak for a little while and wipe the paint off.

Disclaimer: Try it on a hidden spot first just to be sure it won't hurt the ABS. I have never seen it happen, but you never know.

 

[captblitzdawg]

My sincere thanks to everyone who replied. I have a lot of ideas to go on to fix future disasters! I chose cautiously (and it turns out wisely) to start with the alcohol and it did a great job! Thanks again!