I know I have seen it before but, never took notes. What is the best/easiest way to remove a tampo? Does it mess up the finish? Do I have to do anything afterwards to restore the finish? If so, what? All help would be greatly appreciated.

JP2

I use "non-acetone" fingernail polish remover on a Q-tip.

Practice on a beater because it will mess up the finish, if you get it too wet or leave the remover too long.

Go with what RobDog said, it's less mean ( and pratice on a beater is GREAT advice!)
I on the other hand am an idiot.....it's plane old Laquer Thinner for me!!!!!! Yep still on a Q-tip, and never let it set long, but dang it's fast!

Plus as a bonus, it makes any little cut on my hands happy!

PS, keep it away from plastic windows!

And a word of caution..........be patient.
In some cases, you may have to use several attempts to completely remove the tampos.
Remove some of the tampo in one application of acetone nail polisher remover with a
Q-tip and then let the undercoat paint completely dry before removing more tampo.
By using this method you should not remove any of the base colour paint.
Remember, exercise patience. The time commitment will pay off in the end result.
Practice on some HWs first before attemting work on other diecast. HWs are cheap.
You will find that some JL castings with tampos will take several applications.
The tampos on some of the Clue, Universal Studios Monsters, Toy Fair, Monoply, Coke,
and other JL castings are well applied; so it may take a little longer to remove them.
After the tampos are completely removed, you may apply automotive polish to the
casting if you choose.
Good luck. And let us know how it all works out.

Cheers. Cobra

I use "non-acetone" fingernail polish remover on a Q-tip.

Practice on a beater because it will mess up the finish, if you get it too wet or leave the remover too long.

I do the same...

:thumbsup: ---Midnightrun--- :thumbsup: :wave:

Different tampos may require different solvents to remove them so you'll have fun experimenting. For instance, with H*t Wh**ls, the country of manufacture often determines the level of removal difficulty. Some countries cheap-out on the quality.

Both kinds of nail polish remover (acetone and non-acetone) are handy to have on hand. Lacquer thinner often works. I like Goof-Off brand liquid for most tampos.

Take your time, work in a well-ventilated area (especially with acetone), and protect your skin and eyes. :thumbsup:

Thought of one more thing top add. Most two toned paint jobs are not what they appear. There is always one base color and the other colors are tampos as well. Remember, you can not remove the detail printing (logos, etc.) from over an area that is a tampoed colored background. They will both come off, leaving only the base color.

Keep us updated and throw a few pics on the progress of the projects. Good Luck.