how to remove spray paint from snap on box

[Derek420]

I got an older snap on kra53 I think is name full of good tools off Craig's list for 50 bucks but I didn't know until after I bought it that it was spray painted I cleaned off the front of drawers with light sand paper and gas and a rag but I hurt the original paint in some spots I still got rest of box to do and it's so thick I'd like to keep it original and patinad I like the old look but if I can't get spray paint off I'm just going to redo it in green add trim and new logo and lift supports

 

[jakemac]

Try putting a paper towel on the painted surface and spraying it with Simple Green.
Let it sit there wet for 15 minutes and then try wiping the paint off.
If it doesn't work, you may need to leave it on longer.
The paper towel helps the area stay wet.
Make sure you remove any air bubbles.
Work in one area at a time.

Un-diluted Simple Green can soften most paints like a gentle paint stripper.
Be careful not to leave it on too long, you don't want to soften the original paint underneath.

Once done, leave the box alone for a few days to allow any of the original paint to re-harden before waxing or polishing.

I've used Simple Green in a bucket (it can take a few days) to strip vises down to bare metal before repainting.

 

[Shiftless]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

This is excellent advice. I have done the same with great success.
Buy your simple green by the gallon at Home Depot or some place like that.

 

[Derek420]

Awesome thanks much I was degreasing inside and I noticed it softened some of the paint on the top it wiped off in one of the slots oops heck I didn't think to try it on the outside I will try it tomorrow and let y'all know

 

[gdocktor3]

Ya, I've accidentally removed paint from my box with Simple Green. It works.

 

[fatfillup]

I have used lacquer thinner on a rag to remove overspray and auto paint drips on tool boxes without hurting the original paint.

 

[rsanter]

If they did not prep the surface very well you may be surprised how much of it will blow off with a pressure washer

Bob

 

[rustyjames]

I would try the lacquer thinner method, should cut the paint right off without hurting the factory finish.

 

[Derek420]

I tried degreaser I got it off top but took forever had to scrub and scratch it off some came off easy some didn' . it's so thick sides are going to be worst after getting paint off top I seen why they painted it looks like it's had been bead plaster in tiny spots like pitted but no rust ohh well I like the original patina has character the stories it could tell it was full of grease on top black slugde on everything