Stripping Figures (Part 1)

So today the post man brought me a recent eBay purchase of some plastic genestealer hybrids with heavy weapons, these models were, however, painted so I needed to strip the paint off them.
In the past, I've used multiple methods of removing paint from figures, most of which were successful but some messier or less convenient than others.
One of the first methods used, when I lived with my parents, was to soak the figures in petrol. The petrol would then dissolve the paint leaving very little residue and were very easily cleaned afterwards by soaking in hot water. The petrol wasn't too nasty a substance and could be re-used providing it wasn't too 'dirty'. On the down side, petrol stank (so needed to be done outside or in a garage) and also ate through plastic.
Another method used is to use paint stripper (bought in metal cans) and whilst also effective, it does leave quite a lot of residue and can only be used the once. It is also horrible stuff that chews through plastic with ease and difficult to dispose of (not very convenient when you live in a top floor flat).
The final method, which I'm going to explain, is to use Dettol - a reasonably cheap and easy product to find that isn't too nasty to use either and doesn't eat through plastic.

What you will need:

1. Your figures - broken down to their components as much as possible.

2. A glass jar that is reasonably clean.

3. Dettol - whilst I can't say that it *must* be Dettol, I have tried doing this with other 'Pine Disinfectants' and it didn't work, so for the extra money you might as well just buy Dettol.

4. Methylated Spirit (used for cleaning the figures afterwards).

5. A cheap or used toothbrush with reasonably stiff bristles (also used for cleaning the figures afterwards).

Stripping the Models

Once you have everything you need, place the figures into the jar (be careful when putting in metal ones so you don't crack the jar or break any of the other figures) and then pour in the Dettol to cover most of the figures.

Next, dilute the Dettol with some water (I filled the jar up to about 3/4 full). This stage isn't necessary when using metal figures, but it helps the Dettol go a bit further and also dilutes it to reduce the risk of it chewing through the plastic).

Finally, put the lid on the jar (ensure the lid is on tight) and give it a shake before putting it somewhere out of the way. Give the jar a shake every now and again to help circulate the fluid and loosen the paint.

When I have done this in the past, I have only had to leave the mixture for about a day or so to get desired results. Metal figures can be left indefinitely but plastic ones you may need to check up on just to make sure.