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-----Removing paint from an old brass fire extinguisher
I have recently been given an old brass fire extinguisher which although dirty is in good condition. However there is an area about 6" by 2" which has paint on it - looks like a paint brush has slipped and touched it.
How can I remove the paint but not the writing underneath which I guess is enamel.
Hobbyist - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
2006
John, you are asking what solvent will remove some paint of unknown type without risk of removing another paint of unknown type -- unfortunately that question is unanswerable. All you can do is rub it with a solvent like turpentine ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] and hope for the best, acknowledging that you may have to repaint the engraved area. Best of luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2006
2006
Hi Ted
Thanks for your advice - it was just the push I needed. I have spent the last hour gently rubbing the affected area with a soft cloth and some turpentine
⇦ on
eBay or
Amazon [affil link]
and all the paint has come off the fire extinguisher without affecting the bottom layer at all. A few minutes with a toothbrush and all the old paint is out of the engraved lettering, etc. All I need to do now is to polish the very tarnished brass but a little go with some Brasso
⇦ on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil link] shows it can be done. Off to the shop tomorrow to buy a large bottle of vinegar
⇦ in bulk on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil link] .
Once again thanks for your advice and for a wonderful site.
Cheers,
- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Mr. James, I have a paint on brass problem too. I have acquired two Pyrene Soda Acid brass fire extinguishers. One is original brass, and has and can be shined, however the other one has been painted in some fashion with a brass colored non gloss paint. The lettering have been done in blue. I have tried brasso with a buffing wheel, then paint remover which had no effect at all. Any suggestions
Marc Stuckmanhobbyist - Cascade, Colorado
August 6, 2009
August 15, 2009
Hi, Marc. There are paint removers that are based on relatively mild solvents like mineral spirits ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] or turpentine, and then there are very aggressive and very noxious paint removers like methylene chloride, called Aircraft Stripper. I can't guarantee this will remove the paint, but it will remove a lot of paints that things like turpentine won't touch. Be careful with it, and do it outside with very good ventilation, wearing rubber gloves ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] and goggles ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] .
Good luck!
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
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