Help! Need to remove paint...

Badbilly · Post by **Badbilly** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:30 pm

I have a helm that has been painted. I'd like to take it off without damaging the surface metal of the helm. How should I proceed

Thanks for any help in advance :!:

Gaston Le Chauve · Post by **Gaston Le Chauve** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:38 pm

paint thinner comes to mind....personally I'd take a grinder with a wire wheel to it...but I like sparks....

Richard of Rivenvale · Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:43 pm

Maybe try to ascertain what type of paint was used, then apply the correct solvent to remove the bulk of the paint. Remember that sanding, grinding, etc, also removes metal in addition to paint.

Once you can get some of the paint off you can get a better idea of the condition of the metal under it.

Badbilly · Post by **Badbilly** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:43 pm

So, I just get a bucket and throw it in with a couple of gallons of paint thinner/remover and let it soak? I believe its rust-olium :?:

losthelm · Post by **losthelm** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:44 pm

Start by removing the chin strap and any other leather/plastic bits.

What kind of paint? latex comes off with just a little heat...
acrylics and enamels come off with acetone or other paint thinner becareful as the fumes are very flamable. Best done outside with a brush or disposable rag. soak the rag and drape it over the paint area for a bit come back and scrub then reapply as nessicary.
I would be careful with the bucket idea some plastics will desolve...

Some other furnature striping products also work well without the fumes.

Abrasives like sand paper or wire brush will make up the surface.

Ld Thomas Willoughby · Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:50 pm

I like one of those paint stripper wheels mounted in my drill press.

Kurttupeiko · Post by **Kurttupeiko** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:51 pm

Brakefluid will also be very bad for anything painted. The good thing is, that it won't hurt the metal for obvious reason.
It should not be underestimated as paint removal, and with no fumes!

Stahlgrim · Post by **Stahlgrim** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:51 pm

paint it with stripez or some other gel stripper then hit it with the wire brush.

Munz · Post by **Munz** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:16 pm

Home Depot - chemical paint stripper - apply - wait - scape off paint - done.

Moog · Post by **Moog** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:22 pm

dont forget to wear rubber gloves or such. acetone is fun to play with but it doesnt return the favor.

Odd · Post by **Odd** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:28 pm

Kurttupeiko wrote:Brakefluid will also be very bad for anything painted. The good thing is, that it won't hurt the metal for obvious reason.
It should not be underestimated as paint removal, and with no fumes!

While this was true back in the 70's, it's been reformulated since then.

Learned this the hard way back in high school, when I had to clean a quart of brake fluid off a police car. The paint was FINE.

mordreth · Post by **mordreth** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:04 pm

a spray can of graffiti remover will take good care of it.
gloves and eye protection are great ideas.

Badbilly · Post by **Badbilly** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:13 pm

Once I let the helm marinate in paint stripper what can I use to scrape it off the helm without scratching the heck out of the helms surface metal :?:

Do you know the braqnd name of the spray can grafitti remover :?:

Thanks!

Gaston Le Chauve · Post by **Gaston Le Chauve** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:26 pm

I believe they make plastic scrapers...but don't quote me on that...

Dwarlock · Post by **Dwarlock** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:40 pm

a product called aircraft remover (should be at any automotive store) works great.

Beware in small print on the back it warns not to use on actual aircraft.

losthelm · Post by **losthelm** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:06 pm

Plastic style putty knife should help usualy cost around 75 cents. Some places may stock plastic style scotch brith pads for cleaning stainless apliances. Usualy if you let it sit for a while the paint will peal like and old sunburn.