Fixing Marvel Legends Mystique Animated X-Men '97 Cel Shading paint removal

[@lostonwallace1396]

Have you tried using some Tamiya tape to mask off areas of paint that you don't want your swab or brush to rub up against? That might prove helpful to you when removing the cel shading. That way, if you go past the edge line, you'll get it on the tape instead of on the paint that you want to keep tidy. You just have to make sure that the tape is down tight against the figure's surface, and it should really make some major difference where unwanted paint loss is concerned. Also, if you do get the cleaner on the tape, you should be able to quickly wipe it off with a paper towel or by going over it with a second cotton swab that has been dipped in water to delude things before you wipe the area. Just a thought.

[@ComicallyToys]

I have used Tamiya stuff in the past, but didn't know about the tape! I had thought about using taping/painting techniques like that, but wasn't sure how well painters tape would go so thanks so much for sharing that Tamiya has a tape for the same purpose! I'll definitely pick some up. :)

[@shipped_my_pants_3000]

It would probably leach under the tape. Especially if you are being less careful because the tape is there

[@octopusman52]

When I do it I usually ditch the end of cotton swap once I get paint on it, never reusing the same side. it avoids smearing paint and soaking up much paint remover. I also dab it a little on a paper towel before I use just so it's not dripping wet.

[@ComicallyToys]

Yeah that's a great idea. I think I just "feel bad" for "wasting" but it's better to just do it right so I don't ruin anything. Appreciate the tip! What kind of mods and/or customs have you done?

[@markj7226]

Appreciate you steering folks away from using acetone. Wonder if a liquid masking agent would help protect those tricky parts.

[@ComicallyToys]

Yeah! Acetone can work, but it's just too tricky to work with. Another commenter mentioned Tamiya tape so I'll be trying that! I didn't know that liquid masking agents were a thing so I'll have to look into that too. What kinds of customs or custom work have you done?

[@markj7226]

Most of my customizations have focused on paint work. Started off with Lego minifigures. That's when I found out that acetone melts plastic trying to take off print details. My first real custom though was a repaint of the ML's retro Thing. Wanted him to look like the Walgreens exclusive. My latest customs been updates to Masterverse line. Adding body washes, enhancing details and completely repainting weapons. The liquid mask is great for keeping clean lines. You just cover the area you want to remain unpainted, paint and then scrape the mask off with a tooth pick.

[@ComicallyToys]

Thanks for the tip! Is the liquid mask just one particular brand, or do you have any specific recommendations on that? And your custom Thing sounds pretty neat! Please share a picture if you have a link! I'm reasonably comfortable with removing paint, but unless it's black I just don't feel very confident about it. I think I'm too impatient haha!

[@markj7226]

Not sure the brand matters much but I've been using Vallejo Liquid Model Color Mask Paint. No picks online but I'll try and get some up next week.

[@ericherman7929]

I wonder if straight acetone would have done better just for the "cloth" part. I think the acetone takes more time to melt on softer plastics, so it might make it a little easier as long as you rinse frequently.

[@ComicallyToys]

Yeah I was trying REALLY hard to avoid the acetone, but I'm learning that acetone has it's place too for this type of stuff still.

[@asapxsilva5627]

bro urs comes off so much easier than mine this paint dont wanna come off

[@ComicallyToys]

I'm sorry to hear that! Unfortunately a few people have let me know that the company that makes the brush cleaner changed their formula so it won't work the way we wanted to anymore... I am still looking for an alternative solution that isn't just using acetone.

[@asapxsilva5627]

@@ComicallyToyshey mann thanks for the reply i found a different type of nail remover and it worked so good with no damage!! it was a green nail polish remover found at target

[@ComicallyToys]

@@asapxsilva5627 That's awesome! Thanks for the heads up!