Can a Leopard change its spots? (Paint Removal advice needed)

Hello guys, I had a quick question for some of the hardcore customisers out there. I am considering getting a device label Cheetor, and repurposing him to be used as Steeljaw. I figured that if I could remove the spots he might look pretty good. My 2 questions are:
1) What would be a decent way to remove the spots, without ruining the plastic
2) Would the figure make a good stand-in in the first place? (I know that the shoulders etc are much bigger on a Lion) and if not, does anyone have any ideas about what would make a good Steeljaw stand-in?
1) What would be a decent way to remove the spots, without ruining the plastic
2) Would the figure make a good stand-in in the first place? (I know that the shoulders etc are much bigger on a Lion) and if not, does anyone have any ideas about what would make a good Steeljaw stand-in?