John M Upton

Paint it up to make it look like the Modlu scallies had set fire to it....

Let's guess - was the Playmobil bin made of polystyrene?

This might sound like a crazy question - but it isn't. In a past job, I needed to use sheet polystyrene to make a cover (basically an open box), to deter people from playing with controls on an electronic instrument.

There wasn't any branded styrene cement in the lab - but there was plenty of acetone (which is often used in nail varnish remover). The acetone dissolved the polystyrene - and was an effective "solvent cement".

I've since found that cellulose thinner has a similar effect - same goes for Lidl "universal / professional Paint thinner (much the same sort of stuff) ... .

When it comes to stripping paint, I'd be more likely to apply alcohol hand gel - leave it for a bit - then wipe off with a cloth, scraper, or  plastic scourer.