I really need some help here. I totally ruined my F/A 18 Hornet. What happened was when I sprayed the first layer of paint I didnt notice there was some dust on the model, and ended up with tiny lumps on it. Well, i thoguht i could fix the problem by just spraying another layer, bad idea. I ended up spraying 3 layers and now there's hardly any detail left, and some areas are just one big lump of paint, anyone know how I can remove all the paint without damaging the model?

Ave, Just very carefully start wiping with the maunufatuers recommended thinner. Don't go to extremes and use anything with Acetone, It'll attack the plastic and destroy it!!!! Acetone used to be a key ingredient in Cement. just remember use enough thinner on the rag to wet it, don't poor it directly on the model. If you get little hairs again just go ahead and sand the are and repaint next time. Also another time is the hit the tip of your airbrush occasionally with a cotton swab to get any paint thats building up there. HTH STUG

You can also use Polly Scale Decal and Paint remover. Seems to work well and wont damage your canopy. George

Having very limited facilities for making kits I am sometimes forced to use aerosols.
On one occasion I had a very bad experience with Humbrol No.30 Dark Green. (I've found it's the most inconsistant colour in the range whether brush or can).
It looked like a plouged field. Terrible. I fixed it by sanding it with fine wet and dry with dish washing iquid in the water. With very soft and gentle pressure and a lot of water, it turned out well.
The dish washing liquid lubricates the process, and seems to help get the surface smooth out easier.
Good luck.
Peter

Thanks to everyone for their help. Unfortunately the paint that i use (tamiya aerosol) somehow refuses to be removed. Ironically paint on other parts came off cleanly but the trouble spot refuses to budge. I sanded it down a little and I guess that model will be haunting me from now on. OH well, nothing i can do bout it.

Ave,
if the paint that is still left on is thin and very smooth and is'nt interfering with any detail it might be OK for painting over. You could re-scrib any panel lines.
Good luck
Peter