how to remove spray paint from old sk box?

[toolmiser]

I have a few SK tool boxes/ratchets sets that have been spray painted over the original textured green. I would like to try removing only the top coat-realizing that the original paint isn't going to be great. Got any ideas how to remove one and not the original? I wish someone had some paint that would be somewhat similar to original! One box is painted John Deere green and the other silver or aluminum.

Thanks

 

[Shiftless]

One thing that has worked for me in the past is a soak in undiluted Simple Green. How many hours you ask? It depends. Take the piece out of the bath every once in a while to check on how soft the paint is getting. In my experience, old factory paint is a lot more durable and resistant than new spray bomb paint.

 

[mreisner]

X2 and if you can soak them in hot water that helps also

 

[toolmiser]

Thanks, I will try that. I had the feeling that maybe the original factory paint was pretty durable. Unfortunately the second coat of paint on these could be 20 years old also.

 

[INSP380]

I used a lot of different products to go from this spray bombed SK back to the original paint. One layer at a time…. Time is your best friend.

Steve

 

[Shelbylex]

That's very impressive , INSP390!

 

[AEAdam]

Purple power will remove paint and sometimes one layer at a time. Castrol Super Clean the same.