Protective foam attacks model?

That's looks very unfortunate Randy and it certainly would be a really nice model without the foam degradation. I know art restorers have to work with removing dirt and grime and sometimes overlaid layers of paint, but I don't know whether some of these chemicals and treatments are applicable to a diecast model car. I would imagine the techniques and chemicals used would depend on the offending material and the base model material of perhaps diecast zamac, white metal, resin or perhaps pressed steel.

@mikedetorrice That’s my thought. Especially since it’s resin, I’m betting cleaners of any type would likely damage the finish. The foam looks really “baked on”, too.

This only happened to me once, many years ago. I had a 1/25 scale model car I had airbrush painted. I think the paint was an enamel by Testors. Sometime later I packed it in a box with foam. I do not remember why. When I unpacked it the foam was stuck to paint in multiple locations. I did not know of anyway to fix problem without removing paint.

Maybe try a little Goo Gone and see what happens. Good luck.

Wow, that's a disaster.

Well,I guess you could age it a bit more, add some scale bird droppings, make a diorama ....and call it a "barn find" ! But seriously, there may be a technique for removing the offending material or perhaps soaking the whole model in warm water (or mild soapy water) will eventually, over a period of time, loosen the overlaying material. 

Yikes! The first thing I would try would be to either soak the model in water or cover it with very damp paper towels to see if any of it might come off easily. At this point, there's not much to lose, and water would be the least damaging. 

All, to be clear, I don’t own this model. It’s for sale and I wanted to see if there was a known way to clean it up before I throw in a bid. Based on the feedback so far, I think I’ll pass and let someone else take it on!

@randyrusk 

I agree with your decision.

@randyrusk Smart call, Randy.

You just don't know until you try to clean it - could be shiny underneath or it could have eaten the finish.  I had some Rios packed in foam that got stuck.  I used hot water and it dissolved right off.  Not much of a problem.  I had another one - a DUGU? - that left the paint a dull, crackled finish!  😶 ☹️ 

Posted by: @karl

You just don't know until you try to clean it - could be shiny underneath or it could have eaten the finish.  I had some Rios packed in foam that got stuck.  I used hot water and it dissolved right off.  Not much of a problem.  I had another one - a DUGU? - that left the paint a dull, crackled finish!  😶 ☹️ 

I would mix some Dawn dish soap in warm water and dig the model in. This mixture can do miracles.

Randy: I saw this on Ebay the day that it was listed.I contacted the seller and he confirmed that it was a metal model. Further research proved that it is white metal. The model is by Styling Models and originally sold for $800. They were made by a retired jeweller. The  radiator is plated with real silver. The foam in this case started to disintegrate releasing a petroleum based gas. This gas reacted with the paint and likely worked its way into the paint the same way that model airplane glue will work its way into the paint. The model is ruined for sure. Although the foam may be removed with some type of cleaner, the paint will definitely be ruined. Only solution is to dissasemble the entire model and do a strip to bare metal and repaint. Lots of work. I considered this model but after completing my research, I will pass on it also.

Good work, Ken. Stylish models were great but very expensive models. Unfortunately, their business practices left much to be desired. 

@kenspear Thanks for the deep dive on this model. Everything you’ve shared has furthered my resolve that this model will not be rescued by me, regardless of its low cost.

Imagine the heartbreak, though, for the original owner to open up this model only to discover it’s destroyed.