Q: I have a question about removing markings from rolling stock and steam engines. I’ve seen your videos on removing decals, but how do I remove these items when they are factory painted? — Michael Ricci
A: Over the years, I’ve used a variety of methods to remove factory-printed graphics. In my September 2022 Model Railroader article “Quick and easy gondola weathering” I used Walthers Solvaset and a Faber-Castell eraser pencil to take the reporting marks and road number off a WalthersMainline HO scale gondola. A gentle touch is key so you don’t remove the paint below the printing.
I demonstrated some other methods for removing factory-applied lettering in stories I contributed to 25 Freight Car Projects (Kalmbach Books, 2016). On an Athearn HO scale boxcar, I brushed Microscale Micro Sol over the printing I wanted to remove, let the decal setting solution almost completely evaporate, applied Scotch Magic Tape, and burnished it with a toothpick. Then I peeled the tape up and away. I had to repeat the process a few times to remove all of the lettering.
On the same car (and a few others in the book), I used Micro Sol and a round-head toothpick to gently scrape off printed lettering. This approach is especially effective on uneven surfaces and around raised details like door rods. Even if you work carefully, some touch-up painting may be necessary.
Be aware that the setting solution methods work on some, but not all, models as printing methods vary between manufacturers. On Accurail cars, for example, I wet the letters or numbers I want to remove and sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper. A light touch is especially critical here as it’s easy to remove the underlying paint when using sandpaper.
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