Modifying / Removing Print from Road Plates

[Willworkfortoys]

I'm looking for a solution for removing print from lego baseplates.  On a 4-way intersection plate I tested alcohol method, brasso method, eraser method and sanding.  My findings are that alcohol removes easiest, brasso the best and cleanest, eraser had little to no effect on baseplates and sanding is a great way to ruin a baseplate (as I suspected but I had to try).  

Now, the problem is I've searched and searched and all print removing threads seem to pertain to minifigures/torsos or other printed parts and not to road plates which I suspect use a slightly (chemically) different type of printing.  In addition while brasso does work my intention is to remove all printing from the 4-way baseplates and make an airbrush template to make them appear as normal straight road plates with a parking stall on either side.  I want to do this to 8+ plates and brasso will take the better part of forever to achieve. 

Is there a resource for what type of print is used on the plates so that a chemical bath can be designed to dissolve print without affecting the plate?  

Any help is appreciated or links that I may have somehow missed in my many many searches.  Thanks!

[Sven F]

I think the current version of roadplates are entirely printed on the whole un-studded surface, not just the white markings.  that's a lot of print to remove.

[dr_spock]

Would a rotary hobby tool with polishing attachment and brasso work any faster?

 

[legoboy3998]

Not sure if you will be able to view this video, but here is a video showing how to remove the printing off a model railroad railcars.  http://mrr.trains.com/videos/expert-tips/2009/11/video-how-to-remove-factory-printed-lettering-from-freight-car-models. Use Micro Sol (available at most hobby shops, it is a setting agent for water slide decals).  You brush the Micro Sol onto the printing you want to remove.  Wait about 5 minutes, and dampen the area with water from a damp cotton swab.  Lay clear scotch tabe over the printing, rub it with a toothpick to insure it sticks to all the printing, and peel up the tape.  Most of the printing should come with it.  You may ned to do it multiple times.  When all printing is removed, clean off any remaining Micro Sol with wet cotton swabs and dry.

since plastic models are made of similar materials to LEGO, and the printing is also likely similar, this method should not harm the LEGO much.

Sal

WFB, WI

[Willworkfortoys]

Thanks for the help folks.  I hadn't considered trying the dremmel which I'll give a go at.  I also have some decal setting solution around, don't remember which brand, but I'll give that a shot too and report my findings!  

[broomhandle]

up to you, but an eraser works very well....