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How to remove paint from copper cupola

Roof of cupola was painted w/ red barn paint 50 years ago, nothing works except an abrasive that also scratches the copper itself. Any suggestions?

Joan Lipp
home owner - Islip, New York
November 21, 2009

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Hi, Joan. Aircraft Stripper (methylene chloride) will probably work, but it is really noxious, dangerous stuff. So you might want to have it done by painters who are familiar with it and wear the proper gear and insure good ventilation.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 23, 2009

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November 24, 2009

Try ammonia/acetone mixture(1/2).Very alkaline DIY paint stripper (200 gr calcium hydroxide,100 gm sodium carbonate / washing soda [affil links], 50 gm sodium hydroxide, add some water/it must be thick fluid/) can be used too, but be very careful, use rubber gloves [on eBay or Amazon] and safety goggles [on eBay or Amazon]. Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb,Croatia

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I echo the last posters advice - there is a paint removal product called Peel Away [affil links] that has a chemistry similar to the alkaline brew he describes.

It's a paste that is applied to the painted surface, and is then covered with a special paper they supply. You leave this on for 12 - 24 hours, then remove paper, paste, and paint, washing afterwards with water. It should not affect the underlying copper.

Dave Wichern
Consultant - The Bronx, New York
November 27, 2009