Large Scale Central

Removing Bachmann lettering

General Discussion
#1

I’ve trying to remove the lettering on my new loco so I can replace it with my own. So far all I have is a long list of what does NOT work:

Mineral spirits
Paint thinner
Acetone
“Goop Off”
Alcohol
Floquil and Testors thinners
Brake fluid
Bestine rubber cement thinner
Humbrol enamel thinner
Kwik-Set Activator (used to rapidly set CA type glue)

That last one sort of works. It takes the white striping off the loco pretty easily but for some reason the lettering does not come off as well. Also, it does affect the plastic a bit. So it’s not an ideal choice.

I ended up having to sand off most of the lettering, which doesn’t work very well when the lettering is on/around rivets. And although I thought I got it pretty smooth, tiny scratches show up when the gloss paint is applied.

Anyone have some other suggestions?

#2

Lacquer thinner removed the White Pass off of mine.
took a little rubbing, didn’t harm the paint or rivets.
Dab some on a soft rag and go for it.

#3

Kevin Strong used Castrol Super Clean to remove his

#4

What he said… :slight_smile:

You’ll find Super Clean at your local auto parts store like Auto Zone. If it’s not there, try the Checker Auto on the next corner.

I submerged the parts in a pan of the stuff for 15 minutes and it came right off. Someone else had the brilliant idea to take cotton balls, set them over the lettering you want to remove, then saturate the cotton with the cleaner and let it sit for the 15 minutes. That way you needn’t find a large pan, which is problematic for a passenger car side.

If you do use a pan, you can put the stuff back in the bottle after you’re done.

Later,

K

#5

Denatured alcohol has worked for me, but SuperClean will do it for sure, just let the parts soak a bit

#6

If ya can’t find Castrol Super Clean, Coastal Power Clean is the same thing, and usually cheaper.

#7

Pep Boys never heard of it. I’ll have to see if there’s an Auto Zone in the area.

#8

How about Aristo lettering? Will Super Clean work for that, as well?

#9

Ray,
NAPA in your area?

Steve,
Don’t know?? Try it!..I tried denatured alcohol on my USA Geep didn’t work well at all.

#10

The Bach-Man pointed me toward a product called “Oops.” There are a couple varieties… you want the one in the white can.

It removed the lettering from my AMS caboose, and from an Aristo Mike. Not for soaking; use with a rag etc…

Don’t think I’ve hit B-mann factory lettering yet… but I have 10 hoppers waiting for decals, so I’ll report back soon, I hope.

Matthew (OV)