best way of removing top layer only of paint from painted surface

[BTL-A4]

I've acquired a vintage Pickett Plan Hold Artist Cabinet for the grand sum of $10. It has paint on the painted surfaces. I think some of the paint is latex (appears to be the cheap kind that kids use at school), but there also appears to be other types as well. Any tips on getting it off without damaging the original paint? I'm not sure what the original paint is: could be powder coat or cured auto paint, etc. Here's what I've found in my research:

1. Wet sanding with 600-1000 grit. Easy to monitor.
2. Chemical stripper left on for a very short amount of time. I have some Citristrip.
3. Heat gun of top layer, then scrape with plastic scraper.
4. Isopropyl alcohol. I've used this to take off Sharpie writing. It lifted a bit of the paint, but not enough to show bare metal.

I'm not opposed to repainting this, but I'd like to try and see if I can do this without a repaint.

 

[The Cobbler]

paint stripper often removes 1 layer of paint per application. not always perfectly mind you .

 

[BTL-A4]

Possible paint types:
Baked-on Alkyd Enamel
Industrial Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Sheen: Usually a Semi-Gloss or Satin

Note: Could have lead in the paint.

 

[BTL-A4]

paint stripper often removes 1 layer of paint per application. not always perfectly mind you .

Mineral spirits has been suggested as well.

I'm going to try soap and water first. I think that will remove any latex.

These cabinets are known for having a really "buttery smooth" finish. This particular one has nice drawer slides and is in nice shape.

 

[inphx]

I need a recipe too for blue and primer

 

[The Cobbler]

I don't think mineral spirits will do much , but keep us posted

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I've had good results with a product called goof off. Can take a while, several applications depending on the paint type and how long it has been on the surface.

 

[BTL-A4]

UPDATE:
Here's what water and a rag did:


I tried GooGone in the lower right, but it did nothing. It might be spilled superglue, but it feels slightly tacky, so maybe a different product might work.

There is a fluorescent yellow paint spill on the lower left (to the left of the vertical scratch) that is hard to see.

The remaining ones are soaking in water. I think they are latex that is just thick and hard, but we'll see.

I cleaned up the drawer fronts as well. Other than some scratches and some rust (I think) stains on the side, this is in decent shape, especially for $10.

I'm going to try some other suggestions and report back. Thanks for the help, keep it coming!

 

[Milton Shaw]

If it is super glue, finger nail polish is the recommend remover for that as it doesn't damage skin as much as some other solvents.

 

[txvwnut]

If its latex or any kind of water based paint a heat gun will be your best option.

 

[The Cobbler]

finger nail polish

remover; AKA acetone

 

[Milton Shaw]

remover; AKA acetone

About every home with a woman or teenager in it will have nail polish remover, but few homes would have acetone in it.

 

[BTL-A4]

CONCLUSION
I used paint thinner and was able to rub the paint, and whatever the sticky stuff was, off without damaging the paint underneath. Anything you see is rust or paint chipped off:

 

[pcmeiners]

Any tips on getting it off without damaging the original paint?

Unless your original paint is a two part epoxy (extremely unlikely) or you have a direct line to the guy above your not going to remove paint layers without harming the original paint without a miracle.