Paint removal

[jp2112]

I recently bought an atv and the PO spray painted the plastics white. They were originally black, and appear to be in good condition. Any ideas on how I can remove the paint without damaging the plastic? Thanks JP

 

[PassnThru]

Wouldn't this be a situation where you scuff the white paint (if it is adhering well) and repaint black? If you want to get to the black under the white then I don't know how you could do that successfully. Strippers might take too much - sanding would find high spots and leave white in the low spots

 

[PAToyota]

Really depends on what paint was used and what material the "plastic" is - I'm assuming ABS? A lot of your regular strippers are going to attack the plastic. There are strippers for plastic, though. Years ago, I'd use brake fluid to strip paint off of plastic models.

 

[jp2112]

Ya, I was looking to get away from paint. I'm just not a big fan of painted plastics. It will be in the woods, and paint doesn't hold up too well. I am looking for something to chemically remove it that wouldn't damage the plastic. It looks like it is just cheap rattle can paint, and for the most part it is still sticking good. Thanks

 

[reinhardt]

i had some interior panels in a 79 camaro painted red over black plastic. i removed the panels and pressure washed them. the red wasn't adhered very well. what that left behind i then removed w/ dot 3 brake fluid. brake fluid takes the paint off w/o damaging plastic. another blast w/ the pressure washer, and right as rain.

ben

 

[bchee]

I once used Aircraft Remover by Klean Strip on plastic fender flares and it didn't seem to affect the plastic.
http://www.wmbarr.com/product.aspx?catid=72&prodid=135

The plastic was originally black. They didn't dissolve in the aircraft remover. I don't know how dull they were originally, but the stripper might dull them.