Summary for paint removal from brass Discussion
Paint removal from brass is the main issue in this thread: Patsy Adkinson asks how to strip several layers of paint from large solid brass ship spotlights and then restore the brass, while Colin Varley says he has the same problem with a brass bell. Kevin Kosla reports a practical solution from his own experience with antique brass ceiling lights painted with many coats: he used Lightning Strip® and says customer service confirmed it would remove paint and finish from brass. According to Kevin, the product did not etch the brass or glass and removed the paint without harming the fixture, making it a faster alternative to slow conventional paint removers. The thread does not give detailed steps for restoring the brass afterward, but it suggests that a brass-safe stripper may be the best starting point for heavily painted brass fixtures.
Q. I have acquired two large (size of 5 gal.bucket)solid brass spot lights that came off of a sea going vessel. They have both been painted several times. I have tried paint removers, but a slow process. Is there something that I can soak parts in to speed the paint removing process up and then what do I need to do to restore brass?
Patsy Adkinson
– DeFuniak Springs, Florida
Q. I have a similar problem – brass bell. Let me know if you find a solution
Colin Varley
– Sydney, NS, Canada
A. I have found some antique ceiling lights from the 1930’s that are brass, but have been painted with many coats of paint. I use “Lightning Strip®” (lightningstrip.us). The product is for removing paint and finishes from wood. However I contacted customer service and they said it would remove paint and finish from brass. The product will not etch the brass or glass but it will remove the paint without harm to the fixture.
I attach photos of before and after.
Kevin Kosla
Hobbyist – Westland, Michigan U.S.A.
October 2, 2011