Stripping paint off and MDF carriage

[JMORG]

Hi all,
Has anyone attempted to get paint off MDF? I have a carriage that ideally needs refinishing but I know that most strippers will dissolve the MDF.

[IanC]

Although I've never stripped or worked with MDF, to be honest I'd be inclined to sand the existing finish down, rather than apply any solvent or liquid to MDF unless there's a very good reason you need to strip it. A sanded finish will give a key for the new coats of paint.

If you do sand it, a word of warning. Take precautions to avoid inhaling the dust.

I'm sure others will be able to advise you of what is best.

Ian

[Peter Butler]

MDF is a wood based product and will not dissolve with paint stripper, however, neutralising the stripper with water will cause damage to the surface or even swell the material. If the paint is water based, acrylic for example, I would suggest sanding and wire wool. If it is oil based possibly a hot-air stripper could remove some by gentle heating and scraping, finishing again as above.
If the model can be broken down into flat sides it will make the job much easier and give better results.

[jim@NAL]

Peter's is right Easyest way to give it a sand or use a new sharp stanly knife blade and scrape the paint off

[JMORG]

Thanks guys, probably give this ago during the winter. Weather is too nice at the moment and I have a few rolling stock projects on at the moment.