Using Dettol is an easy way to strip paint off of models quickly and without damaging the structure of the models. The process involves mixing your Dettol solution, soaking your model, and rubbing off the paint. Read on to learn more!

1

Gather your ingredients and equipment.

  1. You will need the following:
    • An original bottle of Dettol solution, which is a liquid disinfectant available from most supermarkets, pharmacists or general stores. Do not get any variation of the Dettol solution or your results may vary from those intended.
    • Two old toothbrushes, preferably hard or medium in strength, as soft toothbrushes fail to remove as much paint.
    • Some sort of fine object, such as toothpick, pin or paper clip. These will come in handy later on in the process.
    • A large container, about the size of a gherkin jar or larger. Glass or plastic will suffice, but make sure it is one you can do without as it will not be usable after the process.
    • Several rags or cloths, preferably thin so you can feel models through them. Again, make sure they are old and unwanted.
    • Two rubber gloves. Dettol, while not dangerous, does dehydrate skin and can cause peeling and discomfort on areas exposed to it for too long. Wearing thin surgeon's gloves, or similar, will help you avoid this problem.[1]
    • Access to running water, preferably where you are working with the process.
    • Newspapers or covers for the area you will be working with, as it can get quite messy and the paint that you remove will be hard to get off any surfaces should it fall onto them.
    • A well ventilated room. The mixture can give off a lot of fumes, which although harmless, can be a bit overwhelming in a confined space. An open door or a few open windows should allow sufficient airflow.
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2

Create the Dettol solution.

  1. You can create as much of the solution as you require. You can also vary the concentration. Generally, a 1:1 ratio of Dettol to cold tap water in the container you have brought will give you the best result in 24 hours. You can make the mixture with more water, for example a 1:2 ratio, but the models will need to rest in the solution for longer. So if you have bought a whole bottle of Dettol, the easiest thing to do is simply pour the bottle in and then mix in an equal amount of water, and add more if you wish. Nothing else needs to be done to the solution.
8

Clear off clogged paint with the Dettol mixture.

9

Re-soak the miniature if required.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Should I be scared that a hand cleaning product can be used to remove paint?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, not at all. Though its ingredients happen to have solvent properties, it's not dangerous as a disinfectant when usage directions are properly followed. Though not as strong, rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, and even water can also be used as solvents.
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Warnings

  • Be aware of the laws where you live of disposing of chemicals and paints down drains. Dispose responsibly!
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  • As mentioned in the main article text, Dettol dehydrates skins rapidly. Always wear gloves when using it for prolonged periods and always keep a bottle of moisturizer handy for when the process is complete.
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  • Always perform this process in an environment with good air-flow. Dettol can give you headaches and be overwhelming if you breathe too much of it.[7]
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Things You'll Need

  • An original bottle of Dettol solution.
  • Two old toothbrushes.
  • Some sort of fine object, such as toothpick, pin or paper clip.
  • A large glass or plastic container, about the size of a gherkin jar or larger.
  • Several rags or cloths.
  • Two rubber gloves.
  • Access to running water, preferably where you are working with the process.
  • Newspapers or covers for the area you will be working with.
  • A well ventilated room.

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 260,335 times.
186 votes - 92%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: October 9, 2022
Views: 260,335
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