How to Remove Paint from Hot Wheels?

I have a customized GT350 diecast car, but the current paint isn’t to my taste. Getting tips on how to remove paint from hot wheels over the internet has proven to be futile, and it was through costly trials and errors I managed to strip the paint.

I wrote this article to help other diecast car enthusiasts strip the ugly paint. Take the time to read through each step to avoid making mistakes in the long run. Remember to have the tools and materials mentioned before preparing your diecast car for the process.

Tools & Materials

The core skills for customizing hot wheels are stripping the paint and picking a new colour. It is why I intend to make this article valuable and worth reading.

I have also shared the importance of removing paint from hot wheels before customizing them. I also recommend mastering the polishing skills to display the spectra-flame effect on diecast cars.

Polishing leaves the hot wheels bare to showcase the ultra chrome-super shiny looks. Below are the essential tools and materials for removing paint from hot wheels:

• Drill: The tool is ideal for taking the hot wheels apart before removing the paint from them. Ensure the drill press can handle small and large rivet heads with the assorted drill bits.
• Vice Grips: Vice grips hold the hot wheels to spray with a paint stripper, which helps reduce the risk of coming into close contact with these corrosive paint strippers.
• Paint Stripper: Chemical paint stripper helps remove the finish of hot wheels casting. Use a brush or Q-tip to apply the chemical to the paint. These chemicals are harsh on the skin and have a high odour.
• Toothpicks: Toothpicks help scrape the bubble paint from the hot wheels casting. Consider a thumbtack to scrape the bubble paint from spots where toothpicks are less effective and efficient.
• Spray Paint Can and Brushes: Paintbrushes are suitable for applying paint strippers on the hot wheels casting. They are also ideal for removing dust and debris before applying the modelling paint. The spray can help apply the new modelling paint on the diecast car.
• Masking Tape: The tape helps hide some areas while painting others. The material is ideal for those wanting to use different colours on their hot wheels casting.
• Sandpaper: It is a vital tool for polishing or buffing the hot wheels bare casting, and it keeps the casting clean before applying the new colour.
• Crazy Glue: It is ideal for putting hot wheels parts together after applying the new colour. Exercise ultimate precautions when dealing with crazy glue.

Why Remove Paint from Hot Wheels?

Paint stripping is an important job when customizing hot wheels. It helps remove the old paint that does not suit your taste and preferences.

Leaving the hot wheels bare makes it easy to repaint with a new colour. However, removing paint from hot wheels can be a daunting and intimidating experience for beginners.

Painting stripping also helps correct a poor past painting job. It gives the hot wheels a more uniform, polished, and finished appearance.

Keep reading this guide to learn how to remove paint from hot wheels and prepare them before the new coat application.

Preparation for Painting

Hot wheels body prepping is a vital step in quality custom. It determines the final appearance of your diecast car after the new coat application.

Always protect the surrounding areas from damage during the paint stripping process. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to avoid the effect of paint remover odour.

Take apart the hot wheels and strip the old paint from them. Use fine sandpaper to wet sand these parts and clean them. Allow the diecast car parts to dry and repair any imperfections.

How to Remove Paint from Hot Wheels

Removing paint from hot wheels isn’t all that difficult either. It helps create a fresh start for customizing your diecast car with colours that suits your taste and preferences. Below are quick steps on how to remove paint from hot wheels:

Step 1: Split

Taking the diecast car apart is the first thing to do. Use a drill or drill press with a smaller bit to create a pilot hole and cut the rivet head using a larger bit.

Use a screwdriver to pry the bottom off the car. Spread the diecast car pieces and see what you have got.

Step 2: Strip

Use a pair of vice grips and clamp the diecast car underneath. Put the paint stripper in a spray can and apply it to the hot wheel body.

Allow the stripper to sit on the cast for a minute, and use a toothpick to scrape bubble paint. Use a paper towel to wipe it and rinse with hot water. Repeat the process to remove all paint traces.

Step 3: Wheel Swap

Getting the wheels from the hot wheels base can be challenging. Use a drill to remove the rivets and a wire cutter to cut off the locks.

If the car has a metal base, use an axle and pop out the old wheels. Put the new tires on the base and stick them with a few drops of crazy glue.

Step 4: Paint

Apply a primer coat on the hot wheels’ bare cast and wet sand to make things smoother. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it for the next paint.

Select your favourite colour and follow the guidelines on the spray can. Apply the first layer and allow it to dry before coating it again.

Step 5: Detail

Grab a paintbrush and colour the most important parts. Remember to mask tape areas that do not need painting. Take time to handle small sections at a time to avoid messing up.

Use yellow colour to coat the headlights and sharpie to add some details. Peel the masking tape and create beautiful stripes on the area. Paint mixing is a crucial element to master.

Step 6: Finish It

Use crazy glue to put all parts together. Seal the rivet drillings and gaps between the base and casting. Set up the hot wheel car to its original shape.

Need To Read: How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Chevy Tahoe

Conclusion

Learning how to remove paint from hot wheels plays a crucial role during customization. The process can be messy and cumbersome for beginners.

I hope this information has helped you learn how to strip paint from diecast cars. Feel free to share with friends or family and share your experience in the comment section.