removing spray paint

[John c 200]

Has anybody come up with anything that will remove spray paint I mean beside an actual paint stripper. 

 

I've found another barn find on the marketplace and the hood decals have been sprayed over, I'd like to get it off if possible and save the original decal. 

 

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 79,789]

We've used an orange citrus based remover that worked okay.

 

Use caution though. A lot of the paint strippers are also quite fond of removing the decal color or basic glues.

[John c 200]

thanks, I think I've seen it in the stores before, I'll give it a try

[Achto 32,132]

Try regular charcoal lighter fluid on a small spot. I've had good luck with it in the past.

[stevasaurus 23,763]

Acetone works great with an old rag.    Read the label though...and good gloves.

[ebinmaine 79,789]

51 minutes ago, stevasaurus said:

Acetone works great with an old rag.    Read the label though...and good gloves.

 

Something I learned a few weeks ago: 

 

 

 

 

Acetone resistant gloves are great if handy but I don't use any. 

I wash my hands when done.  

 

 Definitely safety glasses/ goggles.  

 

 

[WHX?? 57,498]

3 hours ago, Achto said:

on a small spot.

Yes try it on a small spot first to make sure 

4 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

not removing the decal color or basic glues.

 

[953 nut 67,657]

4 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

also quite fond of removing the decal color or basic glues.

Eric, that was my first thought, if any remover solution gets to the glue it is game over for the decal.       

[sqrlgtr 3,412]

4 hours ago, John c said:

the hood decals have been sprayed over, I'd like to get it off if possible and save the original decal

I hope someone has a solution I have a couple decals that has been sprayed over also.

[ebinmaine 79,789]

39 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Yes try it on a small spot first to make sure 

 

 

10 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

Eric, that was my first thought, if any remover solution gets to the glue it is game over for the decal.       

 

 

My biggest concern at first glance is/ are the cuts in the existing decals. The edges are bad enough... the cuts are curled UP so they'll be prone to inviting whatever solution is used.  

 

 

 

[sqrlgtr 3,412]

I haven't tried it YET but next best thing would be removing old decal and get some new ones from @Vinylguy on here. 

[ebinmaine 79,789]

51 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

I haven't tried it YET but next best thing would be removing old decal and get some new ones from @Vinylguy on here. 

 

That's the way I've always done. 

[sqrlgtr 3,412]

13 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

 

That's the way I've always done. 

@ebinmaine I Always remove if I'm doing a repaint, I was referring to removing them without disturbing surrounding area. Have you removed them while maintaining the paint under/around decal, I haven't tried that yet. I did see a special decal removing wheel that goes in hand drill I thought about trying.

[stevasaurus 23,763]

Try acetone.  Pour some in a rag, rub gently to soften paint and then wal-la !!  This works and does not ruin the decal. I've done this a few times with no issues.  

[ebinmaine 79,789]

1 hour ago, sqrlgtr said:

@ebinmaine I Always remove if I'm doing a repaint, I was referring to removing them without disturbing surrounding area. Have you removed them while maintaining the paint under/around decal, I haven't tried that yet. I did see a special decal removing wheel that goes in hand drill I thought about trying.

 

Heat gun. 

Start slow n easy with the warm up on one end and increase the heat while tugging on the decal. 

There will be a temperature point that allows easy pulling removal of the decal without damage to surrounding METAL areas. Plastics like shift knobs or dash plates must be closely monitored during the process.  

 

[John c 200]

I'd want to save the decals, not planning to do a complete strip/blast/repaint, the finish is already shot so new decals would look out of place.

[wallfish 20,251]

2nd on the citrus paint remover. I've done it. That stuff isn't very strong and will remove the spray paint much quicker than it will the old paint. But keep in mind if you leave it on too long it will burn into the old paint so do small portions at a time and rinse with water.

[Bar Nuthin 2,780]

You might try lightly using rubbing compound with a shop rag. You're going to face a fine balance between removing the paint and saving the print on the decal.

Using a chemical stripper/cleaner will most likely erase the decal at the same time.

[Wayne0 1,574]

Tried "Goof Off" ?

[ebinmaine 79,789]

42 minutes ago, Wayne0 said:

Tried "Goof -ing Off" ?

 

Yes

[8ntruck 9,101]

  I think Eric is an expert on that subject......

[Bar Nuthin 2,780]

15 hours ago, John c said:

the finish is already shot so new decals would look out of place.

 

I slapped new decals on a couple of crusty tractors because the originals were gone. It doesn't look as out of place as you would expect. 

Almost makes me wish I had taken time to put them on straight.

 

C-160 - Hood decals partially blew off in transit

 

 

'73 16 Auto before and after - no decals when purchased

 

[sqrlgtr 3,412]

2 hours ago, Bar Nuthin said:

It doesn't look as out of place as you would expect. 

This is what I have in mind for my C160