Removing Metallic Colors?

[kevin1990]

Has anybody done this before? of know if this is posible.

I am not a fan of the Metallic or Pearl Colors, and I was wondering is there a way to remove it?

[JopieK]

Paint with a non-metalic color, maybe otherwise trading it with other people?

[Aanchir]

Has anybody done this before? of know if this is posible.

I am not a fan of the Metallic or Pearl Colors, and I was wondering is there a way to remove it?

With pearl colors, it's flat-out impossible: the parts are actually molded in that color of plastic, so without painting the parts they're going to remain pearl-colored.

With metallic colors (I'm assuming you're referring to what Bricklink calls "metallic"-- the LEGO names I've found for them usually use the term "lacquered"), I'm not sure what your options are, but since it is a lacquer coat on top of a differently-colored plastic, there should be an option (in fact, I remember at least one topic where a member encountered an anomaly that caused their lacquered knight helmets to lose their coating). Lacquer thinner would obviously be a good first try, even though I have no idea whether it would have any malignant effects on the plastic itself-- lacquer thinner can be strong stuff.

It should also be noted that not all the parts Bricklink calls metallic are lacquered in the same sense I'm referring to here-- oftentimes Bricklink calls pearl colors "metallic" if a metallic color is the closest visual approximation (Bricklink's pearl, metallic, and transparent colors can be dreadfully inaccurate in the database). Lacquered colors include the Bricklink colors Metallic Gold and Metallic Silver, and some others-- visually, they have a matte finish, and they are never made of rubber or any other plastic softer than ABS. So this is a lacquered color; this is not, even if Bricklink tries to tell you they're the same (the latter is actually rather obviously Pearl Gold in real life). You should be able to tell the difference when a part's in your hand.

[Omicron]

Lacquer thinner would obviously be a good first try, even though I have no idea whether it would have any malignant effects on the plastic itself-- lacquer thinner can be strong stuff.

Use with caution on this one. It can be effective, but long term use on the piece can effectively warp it.

-Omi

[Sandy]

Am I the only one who has trouble taking this topic seriously? It's like saying "I'm not a fan of red, is there any way to remove it?"

If you don't like some color of bricks, then don't use them in whatever you use LEGO for. Simple as that.

[Aanchir]

Am I the only one who has trouble taking this topic seriously? It's like saying "I'm not a fan of red, is there any way to remove it?"

If you don't like some color of bricks, then don't use them in whatever you use LEGO for. Simple as that.

In some cases, yes, it does seem a bit silly. In others, though, there are parts that only come in metallic colors, and if you're using the metallic parts then non-metallic parts used elsewhere in the MOC might seem underwhelming. People have diverse tastes, so if something bothers someone they have every right to ask for a solution as long as they're not childish about it.

Of course, there's also the option of selling your metallic parts on Bricklink and purchasing non-metallic parts with the money you earn. After all, some metallic parts might be in high demand. To deface them would definitely disappoint a lot of people.

[frogstudio]

Whatever you do, don't use thiner, it'll melt the plastic...

[Aanchir]

Whatever you do, don't use thiner, it'll melt the plastic...

If it's too strong, though, diluting it might be an option. You'll want to test on a brick that you don't value too highly, however.

[Henchmen4Hire]

I use 100% Acetone and cotton swabs to remove paint, it works on action figures too. Thing is, you have to work fast, or at least dunk the piece in water every few swipes so the acetone doesn't eat the plastic.

You could also dilute it, it takes more rubbing to get the paint off but you're less likely to damage the piece.

Also, the brick is going to lose its shine, it won't be glossy any more.

Edited March 9, 2011 by DrNightmare

[slacker int]

Not sure if this is what you're getting at, but much like acetone or thinner I know Brasso can be used to remove markings and print on elements.

More info can be found at http://www.fineclonier.com/Decal_Application.pdf

adam