removing paint from rubber around fridge door

[Labradorian]

Hey guys

In the process of restoring an old early 60's fridge. Want to paint the outside of the fridge. Who ever painted it before also painted the rubber that goes around the outer edge of the inside of the fridge door. See pics.

I want to remove this paint from the rubber and wondering what is the best thing to do?

Would soaking it in paint thinner help? I'm thinking it might destroy the rubber.

Of course another option is to replace the rubber, but where would I get it?

in the pic you will see that i have removed the liner from the fridge door and the rubber door seal is just hanging over the edge of the liner.

If there are some good restoration forums out there too, please let me know.
If it matters the fridge is a Gilson Snow-Bird made in canada.

cheers and thanks

glen

 

[Labradorian]

bump

 

[rlitman]

Is that latex or oil based paint? I'm guessing oil based because of the cracking, but it makes a big difference in how you remove it.

If it is latex paint (probably not...), I've seen in the paint aisle at HD a spray bottle of a graffiti removal product that will loosen latex paint without damaging the surface below (NOT paint stripper).

If it is oil based paint, you could try a heat gun, but I would think that there is a very fine line between softening the paint and ruining the rubber.

But either way, I would be very careful with any chemicals applied. You stand a good chance of ruining the gasket (which doesn't look so great to begin with).

I believe replacement door gasket material can be found. That may be your best bet. Especially because modern gaskets are magnetic.