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Removing paint ‘71 grill ?

popslavaz

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My grill has several coats of paint on it with some runs and well you know,just crummy looking.What is the best way to remove it ? Would soda blasting rough it up too much? Any thoughts on stripping? Thanks POPS
 
Wow, that can be tricky. Your '71 grill is plastic, right? In my opinion, the trouble is that a lot of things that would dissolve the paint (like lacquer thinner) might also dissolve the plastic grill AND anything you blast off the paint with might destroy the grill too. I have no experience with soda blasting....how "gentle" can it be done?

As for solvents, you might try some rubbing alcohol (start with 70% first & if that doesn't work try the 92% stuff). Alcohols don't affect most plastics but can dissolve some "spray paint" (no part B) type paints.
 
I will agree 100% with PurpleBeeper, use alcohol. Buy he 97% from Walmart. It won't hurt the plastic. Lacquer thinner is a definite no no as are most solvents. You may etch the finish with soda blasting. I've stripped and painted a lot of plastic.
 
I've done it with oven cleaner several times. Doesn't eat the plastic like lacquer thinner does.
 
Sorry guys I put this in the wrong section.I am working on my exterior grill and headlight surrounds.Have a couple extra headlight pieces that I can experiment with.I will give all your ideas a try. Thanks. POPS
 
I used Easy Off heavy duty in the yellow can. Green Scotchbrite pad too.
 
I know from experience brake fluid (used or new) will remove paint, but not harm plastic. Don't need to scrub, no fumes...
 
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Alcohol will work but go for the 92%. The 70% won't do ****. All those ribs and corners. All those nooks and crannies. Get a stiff tooth brush. Plan on spending several hours. Plan on your fingers getting raw and hurting then plan on going over it again.

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I spent a few hours just cleaning and conditioning the black plastic on my Dart grill. No removal of paint. Then masking and painting the silver.

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No worries. You are right though. Over cleaner will strip anodizing right off.
You are also correct on the oven cleaner and plastic. I did a search on plastic and lacquer thinner... A BIG NO! But oven cleaner seems to be ok.
Thought it was an aluminum grill.
Hope you read this Pops before you try the laquer thinner.
 
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