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Thread: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

  1. #1
    Junior Member Carport Converter
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    Default Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    Just thought I would share some tips and info with you on removing paint from plastic interior or exterior parts.

    I also welcome your tips and thoughts on what you have tried that has either worked or not worked in the past. Also if you know please include the paint type (enamel, 2 pack and acrylic etc..) that you were able to remove or not remove with your method.

    The story begins with a piece of moulding I brought for my car that had been sprayed bright yellow. I however wanted the moulding piece to be the original colour (non painted) to match the rest of the car. The paint used on the bit was automotive paint.

    Here is what I have tried, or heard as a suggested method.

    Brake Fluid

    Works best on paint type: unknown

    Works best on plastic type: unknown

    Recommendation: Soak overnight, and that it would not damage the plastic.

    Verdict: Plastic was not damaged, but it didn't work (seriously). Maybe only useful for non automotive paint when it comes to removing from plastic.


    Oven Cleaner

    Works best on paint type: unknown

    Works best on plastic type: unknown

    Recommendation: Advice was to spray onto piece and leave standing for at least 1 hour.

    Verdict: Plastic was not damaged, but also did not work. Possible reason for not working may be the same as the brake fluid.


    Nail Polish Remover

    Works best on paint type: unknown

    Works best on plastic type: unknown

    Recommendation: Advice was to apply and then rub off with a rag. Also to use non acetone based, as acetone could damage the plastic parts.

    Verdict: Did not try, girlfriend wouldn't allow it .. If anyone has tried this let me know.


    Gasket Stripper

    Works best on paint type: All paint types

    Works best on plastic type: Not 100% known, but avoid use on rubber!

    Recommendation: Apply to part and leave for a max of 1 minute. Test on small area first.

    Verdict: It worked!. Nearly instantly bubbled the paint, and I was able to just wipe the paint off within about 10 - 20 seconds. The plastic was not effected, however the part did have a small rubber strip which seems to have suffered a slight amount of damage. I placed the part in water to soak to stop any further damage.

    When using Gasket Stripper I suggest the following:

    - When using wear safety equipment (eg gloves and goggles)
    - Use in a well vented area
    - Test on a small area first incase it harms the plastic
    - Keep away from anything you value lol
    - Good for parts without any rubber on them, but not for bits with
    - Did I mention wear gloves?... this stuff stings if you get it on your hand.


    Paint Stripper

    Works best on paint type: unknown

    Works best on plastic type: unknown

    Recommendation: Unconfirmed

    Verdict: untested


    Petrol

    Works best on paint type: unknown

    Works best on plastic type: unknown

    Recommendation: Unconfirmed (soak or apply/wipe off??)

    Verdict: untested on plastic, works a treat on metal


    Metholated Spirits

    Works best on paint type: unknown

    Works best on plastic type: unknown

    Recommendation: Unconfirmed

    Verdict: untested


    Turpentine

    Works best on paint type: unknown

    Works best on plastic type: unknown

    Recommendation: Unconfirmed

    Verdict: untested


    Heat Gun

    Works best on paint type: unknown

    Works best on plastic type: unknown

    Recommendation: Don't heat for to long as may warp the plastic

    Verdict: Untested, however I would not advise using this method as intense heat + plastic can't be good.


    Dishwashing Liquid

    Works best on paint type: unknown

    Works best on plastic type: unknown

    Recommendation: Soak part overnight in undiluted liquid.

    Verdict: unconfirmed


    Throttle body/Carby Cleaner

    Works best on paint type: unknown

    Works best on plastic type: Not 100% known, but great on vinyls

    Recommendation: Apply cleaner to cloth, rub on part

    Verdict: Works great on plastics & vinyls


    Eucalyptus Oil

    Works best on paint type: unknown

    Works best on plastic type: unknown

    Recommendation: unknown

    Verdict: unconfirmed


    To finish off I can not stress enought to test it on a small (non visable) area of the part before you try any of these options, in particular the Gasket Stripper option.

    Enjoy
    Last edited by Hybrid; 28-01-2006 at 11:21 AM. Reason: More methods added

  2. #2
    Forum Member 1st year Apprentice
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    Default Re: Tip: Removing paint from plastic parts

    instead of Nail polish remover,
    You can try try petrol dude, that stuff kills paint good.
    If not, try Metho, similiar to nail polish remover, if that stuff doesnt get rid of it, use turps.
    Easily available at Bunnings.

    If worst comes to worst, Heat gun, but you gotta be really careful with this, because it might warp the plastic if you leave it blowing for too long

  3. #3
    Junior Member Carport Converter
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts

    Quote Originally Posted by apophis
    instead of Nail polish remover,
    You can try try petrol dude, that stuff kills paint good.
    If not, try Metho, similiar to nail polish remover, if that stuff doesnt get rid of it, use turps.
    Easily available at Bunnings.

    If worst comes to worst, Heat gun, but you gotta be really careful with this, because it might warp the plastic if you leave it blowing for too long
    Cheers apophis, idea's added to list.

  4. #4
    Junior Member Domestic Engineer weapon x's Avatar
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    i can vouch for petrol removing paint... my fuel filler cap leak under the seal and paint has been taken back from it...

    i'll see if i can find an ok pic of it on my computer..



    cheers
    jamie

  5. #5
    Sucks to be a Domestic Engineer YelloRolla's Avatar
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    Thumbs up Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    Try soaking parts in dishwashing liquid (use neat) over night.

    The methods outlined will offer varying degrees of success as different paints (enamel, 2 pack and acrylic) will react differently.

    good thread
    YelloRolla's KE20 1/4mi = 11.32 @ 119mph @ 22psi on slicks
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  6. #6
    Senior Citizen Chief Engine Builder "Z" UTE's Avatar
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    Some years ago, I bought a car part at the local wreckers. The guy behind the counter tried quite unsucessfully to polish the paint pen part number off. A gentleman standing next to me suggested some throttle body/carby cleaner, Method, spray carby cleaner onto cloth, and rub on part. This worked a treat, even getting the paint out of the vinyl grain. This product is also a great de greaser for small parts prior to painting.

    cheers Chuck.

  7. #7
    Junior Member Carport Converter
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    More methods added....thanks guys.

    Also "works best on paint type" added.

  8. #8
    HHeLiBeBCNOFNeNaMgAlSiPS Backyard Mechanic
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    It's probably worth noting in this thread that not only is there various types of paint, there are a few different types of plastic used on cars. Most require primers specifically designed for each plastic and thus results of stipping will different greatly depending on the plastic used. Also some plastics will be more sensitive to solvents then others.

    That said - great thread idea.
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  9. #9
    Junior Member Backyard Mechanic STR8 2.8's Avatar
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    eucalyptus oil

  10. #10
    Junior Member Too Much Toyota RONA's Avatar
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    ^^^^ The above is also useful for getting rid of any sticky residue from glues, tape etc.
    If in doubt power out

  11. #11
    Sucks to be a Domestic Engineer YelloRolla's Avatar
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    Eucalyptus oil is not only good for removing sticky residue indeed as well as chewing gum and even is better than WD40 for loosening rusted bolts and nuts
    YelloRolla's KE20 1/4mi = 11.32 @ 119mph @ 22psi on slicks
    12.44 @ 113 mph on 165 wide street tyres
    210rwkw - not bad for a smelly 3TGTE running pump fuel.

  12. #12
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    Quote Originally Posted by lumpy
    It's probably worth noting in this thread that not only is there various types of paint, there are a few different types of plastic used on cars. Most require primers specifically designed for each plastic and thus results of stipping will different greatly depending on the plastic used. Also some plastics will be more sensitive to solvents then others.

    That said - great thread idea.
    additional category added.. cheers

    Also more methods added.

  13. #13
    Opinionated Arsehole Backyard Mechanic
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    Edited post.
    Last edited by 4DaDrift; 16-12-2009 at 06:38 PM.

  14. #14
    Sucks to be a Domestic Engineer YelloRolla's Avatar
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    4DaDrift, just to post a quick correction; the brand suggested for dishwashing liquid is not neat, rather neat means to use it undiluted.
    YelloRolla's KE20 1/4mi = 11.32 @ 119mph @ 22psi on slicks
    12.44 @ 113 mph on 165 wide street tyres
    210rwkw - not bad for a smelly 3TGTE running pump fuel.

  15. #15
    I love aardvarks Backyard Mechanic Invid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Guide: Removing paint from plastic parts (more input needed)

    Anything that contains Pine oil eg. Pine-o clean. You may want to dilute it down 50:50 with water and soak it over night.
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