Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
- Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----
Need paint stripper not harmful to plastic
Q. I have used a heat resistant paint on a range beneath the burner, just enough to cover a corroded area. I got some of the paint on some plastic and want to know how I can remove it. I imagine it is durable! All it says on the spray can is that it was manufactured for ACE Hardware. It does not list any ingredients and only says that it may contain toluene, Xylene and acetone. I have tried about 5 different cleaners on it. One likes to eat the plastic surface it is on. The others did no good. I have not tried lacquer thinner ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! extremely Flammable! or ammonia, just a few tar and paint removers. Do you have any idea what I can use to remove this paint? Withstands heat to 1000 °F.
Dennis Singstock- Orfordville, Wisconsin
2002
A. As a general rule, try a solvent that was in the product originally before it evaporated away, leaving the product hard. I can't guarantee that acetone ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! will do anything, but it's inexpensive, widely available, low enough in hazard that people remove their nail polish with it, and -- as you noted -- it was one of the solvents in the paint. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
DON'T use acetone as a stripper, I use it to dissolve ABS to make a glue / filler. Have a look on YouTube
Mark StutleyHobbyist - Perth Western Australia
October 18, 2021
Hi Mark. Thanks for the warning which is a good one. Still, acetone doesn't dissolve all plastics ... it's sold in plastic bottles & jugs.
Do you have reason to believe Dennis' plastic is ABS? Do you have a suggestion for him if it is? Thanks again!
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
A. True, acetone comes in P E T plastic bottles. I used caustic sofa and regret it so much. Every time I spray the primer on then bake it, the primer splits. I tried using vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] in my sanding water hoping to neutralize the caustic but no success. This time when the cracks opened up I've sprayed primer directly into them. Even panel beaters don't get it
Mark Stutley [returning]Hobbyists - Western Australia
April 11, 2022
Strip off paint on ABS
Q. Dear sir,
I want to strip off paint from automotive ABS part (like rear mirror) for plating on ABS.Would you recommend how to strip off paint with out or little bit attack on plastic.
Best regard,
Prasarn Hutpattanasilp- Samutsakorn, Center, Thailand
2002
A. Dear sir,
We should know the kind of paint -- but generally paint removers are two kinds.
1-based on organic solvent [methylene chloride, Xylene
⇦this on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links] , etc.]
2-based on caustic strong alkaline to destroy the paint film [NaOH-S.phosphate....etc]
So until you telling me the kind of paint you use the second type of removers is more safe.
Thanks,
RAAFAT ALBENDARYN.P.E - CAIRO, Egypt
Q. Dear RAAFAT,
I don't know the type of paint but it is used in automotive industry. The solvent base paint stripper paint may be too aggressive to strip off paint on ABS parts.
Best regards,
Prasarn Hutpattanasilp [returning]- Samutsakorn, Center, Thailand
A. Prasarn,
What Raafat said is l00% true ... in fact I didn't even know that there were two types of paint remover. Thanks for the Heads up, didn't recommend the first one BECAUSE the standard cement for ABS happens to be related to methylene chloride, i.e., MEK / methyl ethyl ketone. Don't even consider using it! It will dissolve the ABS very nicely, thank you!
Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
A. Dear sir,
It is clear that you don't know the type of paint [polymer] so I will ask an expert [friend]. Till that you can use the alkaline remover [pH>12]. I'm sure paint film will be destroyed but take care this will slightly etch ABS so make a sample first to adjust the time.
Good luck,
RAAFAT ALBENDARYplastics electroplating - Cairo, Egypt
Dear sir,
Use IPA chemical for Automotive ABS Painting parts to remove the Paint Coating sir. IPA does not affect the part surface.
- Vellore - Tamilnadu, India
March 3, 2024
Q. Our paint remover with traditional formulation, utilizing MC/crecylic acid/HF is actually performed well, but when using on plastic parts, like ABS, that remover had made the plastics surfaces uneven. Any friends can suggest whether I have to change the formulation using alcohol or other, that's not harmful to most of plating plastics when we're going to peel off the coating?
Really appreciate your suggestion or advice in this problem.
Thanks a lot.
Daniel Herman S Suhendrametal researcher/hobbyist - Jakarta, Dki, Indonesia
2004
A. Hiya, modeling dudes.
dot 4 brake fluid
⇦this on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links]
works very well without any apparent damage to the plastic.
it is advisable to take a sample of same or similar plastic & throw into the fluid for a timed period to avoid possibility of damage to plastic parts of models in the event it proves damaging.
"always wear rubberrubber gloves
⇦this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] & eye protection".
"always dispose of in a responsible manner".
"always read instructions on container".
I have personally tried it on plastics painted with acrylics & enamels & results are good after 2 hours, very good after 4 hours & excellent after 12 hours but, this will depend on the amount of layers, the paint used & the plastic that the paint is applied to.
This was achieved by "immersion" in a sealed glass container(coffee jar)& regular checks on progress.
For larger items it is for yourself to find a container that meets your needs.
Paint will bubble after time. When satisfied it has had long enough, wash under cool/cold running water & gently rub with an old toothbrush; this will remove most of the paint (if not all).
Dry thoroughly with kitchen paper towels(or equivalent).
If the plastic feels greasy or sticky, wash under "warm" (not hot) water with washing up liquid(dish soap) & dry completely before trying a thin layer of new paint.
If spraying or dry brushing, it is advisable to wash under "warm water"(after the dish soap stage) to remove possible soap residue as soap or brake fluid will react with the new paint finish.
I have not tried this process on clear plastics(cockpit canopies)yet & it is advisable to test a piece of "sprue/grid/frame"the parts come on first if possible.
Brake fluid is cheap & easily available, does a very satisfactory job (see above for directions) if instructions are followed as above there should be very few problems.
Is very volatile & safety should be paramount; disposal(safely) should be done with care.
All advice given should be "followed to the letter" & tests done first on equivalent materials to prevent possible damage to components.
All operations are therefore undertaken at your own risk.
Good luck with your "experiments" & remember ... safety first!
- Leicester, Leicestershire, England, UK
March 27, 2008
Thank you so much for this advice about using a dot 4 brake fluid. guys, it really works!. if it was not for you, I wouldn't know about it. What happened was I painted my taillight and it did not work-out. I used the dot 4 brake fluid and problem was solved.
Marty M. [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- West Palm Beach, Florida, USA
May 23, 2008
Ed. note: Since 1989 this forum has enjoyed the camaraderie & warm aloha which real names & locations afford. If you're not into that spirit, those who do post with their real name may be less likely to engage with you.
A. hiya.
Really pleased to know that the brake fluid worked on the tail light.
great to hear that the information has been beneficial to someone.
I've done further immersion tests & plastics have been left to soak for a week or so without any damage to the plastics & the paint sloughs off much more easily.
great for stripping poor paint finishes on eBay scores.
My thing is the games workshop warhammer/40,000 battle game miniatures. brake fluid seems to really struggle on the games workshops clear gloss lacquer("ard coat") though.
Good luck in all your projects.
- Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
Q. I have purchased a Marine Paint stripper to do the job but I am not satisfied. Would the brake fluid be suitable for stripping the paint off aluminum? How do I clean the brake fluid residue off the aluminum properly for repainting?
Jacques BernatchezMaintenance Mechanic - Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada
July 27, 2008
Stripping Steel Parts
Q. I want to ask a question! What kind of homemade stripper can I make to dip cars in that's not gonna cost me a fortune to buy? These eco guys are wanting 2200 dollars a barrel for a chemical stripper that's safe on aluminum. They want 700 a barrel for a chemical that the car bodies go in that strips bondo, paint, grease and gum, It loosens it, of course, then you have to hot steam it off. What can I use that's safe and does the same job? I am wanting a good aluminum stripper too? I've tried the lye and water mix which seems to do good on paint for metal. Is there anything else? The thing is not safe for aluminum. I've spent close to 1000 dollars on chemicals that say they are incredible but just don't do a good job. I talked to a guy on the west cost that said he made his but couldn't get the mixture out of him. I want to start up a dip service for my area that's fairly green to save on blasting costs -- can you help me? Thanks, Dave
David Marshallsandblasting - Willis Virginia USA
January 13, 2011
A. I used caustic soda ⇦liquid caustic soda in bulk on Amazon [affil link] , dug an impression in the soil, lined it with plastic sheeting and soaked the removable parts for a couple of days. Brilliant results.
Mark StutleyHobbyist - Perth Western Australia
October 18, 2021
A. For steel parts, yes. Not for aluminum or diecast.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 2021
Q. I have a 1976 Monte Carlo that has I believe ABS plastic panels that are fill-ins between the left and right rear quarter panels and the rear bumper -- mine deteriorated and I found replacements from a parts car. I would like to know what the best way to remove the cracked and peeling paint without damaging the plastic. As you can see, I don't want to ruin the parts because they don't manufacture after-market replacements
- Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA
May 20, 2012
Q. How do I remove acrylic air dry paint from vinyl reborn doll kit?
Junwell Brantley- Ada, Oklahoma USA
December 26, 2017
A. TRY ORANGE OIL BASED CLEANER (DIY OR PROPRIETARY); LAVENDER OIL CAN BE USED TOO. HOPE IT HELPS AND GOOD LUCK!
Goran Budija- Cerovski vrh Croatia
Q. Hi,
I wish to change color of my switch plates.
Plastic : ABS or Polycarbonate
Spray Painting
How Can I remove color of switch plates without damaging?
- Mumbai, Maharashtra
September 29, 2020
A. Hi Hardik. Thanks for the picture, but I still don't know what this switch plate is made of. If it's solid plastic there is no way to "remove the color" -- all you can do is paint it.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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