Removing spraypaint from chrome

SeaSlugs

SeaSlugs

Well-known member
What can I use to remove spray paint from chromed plastic? Its intricate stuff like a grille.

Its on a modern antique car but id imagine the same technique/chemicals would be used to get it off chromed steel.
 
I'd probably try the LEAST HARSH chemicals. "Maybe" GOO-OFF or GOOP OFF, or WD-40 & wait, between applications. SOFT brushes or bottle type brushes might help?? Give it plenty of TIME to soften it. Don't RUSH it, & be SORRY!
Bill W.
 
Yea i dont want to scratch the chrome underneath or lift it off too. Searching around the internet suggests using oven cleaner and waiting 30 minutes, should make the paint lift right off and wipe it off. Anyone ever try this?

Acetone might work (mainly what goof off is)
 
A little paint thinner and a rag 1,2 ,3 your done !!!!(only on real chrome sorry I need to slow down before answering thanks Tom
 
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with anything you want to test it in a area not seen ....lacquer on a paper towel may work without hurting the chrome finish or plastic if used very sparingly .put it on a cloth lightly and hold over area and using a plastic bondo type spreader to "pop" the over-spray .we used to use oven cleaner to remove strippers paint ( names ,numbers and such on paint finishes) but it goes everywhere ,I would try a light cutting rubbing compound ,again try a inconspicuous spot and good luck
 
"Acetone might work (mainly what goof off is)"

Goof-Off is primarily Xylene, about 80%, which works pretty good for latex, not so good for oil based paints, it does also contain a small amount of Toluene, and a little of some other hard to pronounce chemicals.

It might be worth a try, it is actually pretty mild. We always referred to acetone as plastic solvent, be very careful and quick if you try acetone.

Darryl in Fairbanks, supposed to get -40 F, that is below zero, tonight
 
hmm but would simple green corrode the chrome?

yea as soon as i said acetone im thinking wait thats all we ever used when we assembled airplaines as a kid lol. quickest glue ever.

i must have a different brand or something of goof off, it most definitely smells like acetone lol some goofy sticky lipstick blood removing stuff anyways...

ill try some paint thinner and if not oven cleaner. (should get oven cleaner anyways - mines due).

any other ideas are surely welcome!
 
I'd steer clear of OVEN CLEANER!!!! In cleaning ANYTHING, I always start with the least agressive cleaner.
EXAMPLE: I crap up my WHITE/WHITE door facings as I wobble through the house, like a DRUNK! I found that Windex cleans them better than STRONG "miracle" cleaners, without damaging the paint & it's CHEEP! (Store Brand)
Mr. Clean
 
SeaSlugs; ill try some paint thinner and if not oven cleaner. (should get oven cleaner anyways - mines due). any other ideas are surely welcome![/QUOTE said:
Well, I DIDN'T go CHEEP on my new, SELF CLEANING oven & SELF DEFROSTING fridge!! AND, along with a SELF CLEANING Dog:cool:, I have saved a lot of time to PROCRASTINATE!
I even printed me an "EARNED RIGHT TO PROCRASTINATE AT WILL" certificate, that's prominately displayed on my SELF DEFROSTING FRIDGE! When Vermin's driving, I will have destroyed my "REPUTATION"!:eek: (excuse # 38) Pat would LAFF!
Bill W.
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"Simple green full strength is used to remove paint from plastic model cars. It must be soaked from one day to two weeks. does not hurt the plastic. Do a google search on simple green paint remover, you will find lots of information."

That's good to know because 5 years ago I started assembling my plastic model of a 1928 Model A Tudor and didn't like how my paint job on the body turned out. When I was in the 8th grade I bought a plastic kit of a steam train engine. Once I had the parts all glued I decided to paint some highlight silver. I painted too much silver and decide to remove it by sticking the engine in a pail of gasolene. 15 minutes later I pulled it out to check and had nothing more than a glob of black plastic.
 
what looks like chrome on plastic is actually iridium. The real problem is the plastic underneath.

I would try some car wax with a cleaner in it ( a small amount of fine abrasive, like prolly 4000 grit). Commercial wax/cleaners are made by most all the car care companies. Go easy, try a non-obvious area first.

If this doesn't work try some good old fashioned polishing compound (not rubbing compound) followed by waxing
 
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Tom Wesenberg said:
"Simple green full strength is used to remove paint from plastic model cars. It must be soaked from one day to two weeks. does not hurt the plastic. Do a google search on simple green paint remover, you will find lots of information."

That's good to know because 5 years ago I started assembling my plastic model of a 1928 Model A Tudor and didn't like how my paint job on the body turned out. When I was in the 8th grade I bought a plastic kit of a steam train engine. Once I had the parts all glued I decided to paint some highlight silver. I painted too much silver and decide to remove it by sticking the engine in a pail of gasolene. 15 minutes later I pulled it out to check and had nothing more than a glob of black plastic.
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Tom, I once set my icemaker in a looow oven to dry the ice crystals from the micro-switches:eek:------Should have used Pat's Wig Blower!!
Bill W.
 
BILL WILLIAMSON said:
I'd steer clear of OVEN CLEANER!!!! In cleaning ANYTHING, I always start with the least agressive cleaner.
EXAMPLE: I crap up my WHITE/WHITE door facings as I wobble through the house, like a DRUNK! I found that Windex cleans them better than STRONG "miracle" cleaners, without damaging the paint & it's CHEEP! (Store Brand)
Mr. Clean
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Bill I heard the Widex is also good for zits! ;)
 
BRAKE FLUID is the best at stripping paint from plastic. I used it all the time to strip paint off models and it never damaged the plastic.

The unknown for me is whether the brake fluid will harm the "chrome". (I would expect it not to, but I have no empirical data to support that hypothesis.)
 
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