Paint Finish Removal? - Page 1

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Paint Finish Removal?

Posted: 6/20/2016 4:53:16 PM EDT

Whats the best (safest) way to remove a painted finish from a rifle, including polymer stock (AICS) and metal parts (barrel, scope, mags) ? I basically want to return it to the factory black so I can have it redone a more geographic appropriate color scheme. Idont have access to any sort of media blaster. I was thinking a chemical stripper but I dont know what it would do the stock.

Posted: 6/20/2016 7:45:11 PM EDT

[#1]

If its non-hardener type paint I would start with Mineral Sprits first. That should be able to remove stuff like Krylon and others and pretty safe in general to use. Just soak it and use a brush and have at it. If its Dura coated or paint that has a hardener in it your pretty much left to blasting it off for the metal parts.

Posted: 6/20/2016 7:56:40 PM EDT

[#2]

You could use a methylene chloride-based (MC) stripper on the metal parts and some of the plastics (read the can).

MC strippers will remove any kind of paint and will soften some dura-coat finishes that can then be scraped off. You can find it at Home Depot in the paint aisles under the 'Kleen Strip' brand name.

Posted: 6/21/2016 2:16:54 PM EDT

[#3]

Is mineral spirits safe for use on plastics? I'm in the same boat as the OP: rifle needs a new paint job.

Posted: 6/21/2016 5:36:05 PM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
Is mineral spirits safe for use on plastics? I'm in the same boat as the OP: rifle needs a new paint job.

View Quote

Yes it is for the most part, but I would do a test to be sure on your stuff. Worked on my poly stocks and a few glock frames that were rattle can painted.

Posted: 6/21/2016 5:44:32 PM EDT

[#5]

Wonderful. Thanks!

Posted: 6/22/2016 12:43:26 PM EDT

[#6]

I would paint over the top.

Posted: 6/22/2016 12:52:58 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
Wonderful. Thanks!

View Quote

Happy Scrubbing!

Posted: 6/22/2016 3:02:18 PM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:

Happy Scrubbing!

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Wonderful. Thanks!

Happy Scrubbing!

I'll have to get out in the garage early in the morning if I want to beat the heat.

Posted: 6/22/2016 5:05:04 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:

Yes it is for the most part, but I would do a test to be sure on your stuff. Worked on my poly stocks and a few glock frames that were rattle can painted.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Is mineral spirits safe for use on plastics? I'm in the same boat as the OP: rifle needs a new paint job.

Yes it is for the most part, but I would do a test to be sure on your stuff. Worked on my poly stocks and a few glock frames that were rattle can painted.

Mineral spirits probably will not touch basic spray paint. Denatured alcohol will remove it and should be safe for your rifle. I remove a lot of graffiti with it. If that won't do it, I use Goof Off, which is probably not plastic safe if you are using the water based version. I don't know if the water based version actually works.

Posted: 6/22/2016 7:56:29 PM EDT

[#10]

I have never tried any of these suggestions.... so do so at your own peril !!!

You might try a hair dryer on the plastic.... it might help loosen it.

Obviously pay attention to how hot it gets.

Also, I can't help but wonder if Hoppe's #9 wouldn't also help loosen it.... lay a rag on the "test" surface pour some solvent on the rag and let it sit for a few minutes....

Posted: 7/10/2016 3:41:55 PM EDT

[#11]

Citristrip. I've used it on many firearms with wood and plastic furniture.

Posted: 7/13/2016 7:19:01 AM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
Citristrip. I've used it on many firearms with wood and plastic furniture.
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcSaW4AK1EGIOdPSUK7eRWRARvElyBzkCFuejfVeWJphngdiYvEaNkdq-kAYd5-uARTMISk2U66x&usqp=CAE

View Quote

+1 on "Citristrip"

Many years ago I used MEK, Methyl Chloride and other nasty, toxic stuff

Citirstrip is easy to use and MUCH safer than a lot of the nasty stuff still out there.

It works very well but is gentle on wood (does not destroy fibre) and blued or parked metal. Plastics can be a little iffy because of the different compositions so try a test spot first before you commit yourself to the whole piece. With all plastics, I wouldn't leave it on for more than 30 minutes at a time.

Posted: 7/17/2016 3:25:16 AM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
Citristrip. I've used it on many firearms with wood and plastic furniture.
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcSaW4AK1EGIOdPSUK7eRWRARvElyBzkCFuejfVeWJphngdiYvEaNkdq-kAYd5-uARTMISk2U66x&usqp=CAE

View Quote

Will this stiff work to remove that "Muddy Girl" finish that Colt added to some of their ARs/M4s?

Posted: 7/20/2016 12:46:43 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:

Will this stiff work to remove that "Muddy Girl" finish that Colt added to some of their ARs/M4s?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Citristrip. I've used it on many firearms with wood and plastic furniture.
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcSaW4AK1EGIOdPSUK7eRWRARvElyBzkCFuejfVeWJphngdiYvEaNkdq-kAYd5-uARTMISk2U66x&usqp=CAE

Will this stiff work to remove that "Muddy Girl" finish that Colt added to some of their ARs/M4s?

I have no idea. You might try a small hidden spot first to make sure you like the results. Otherwise, go with a refinish like Duracoat if you want to DIY and keep it reasonably priced.

Posted: 7/21/2016 12:47:00 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:

Citristrip. I've used it on many firearms with wood and plastic furniture.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcSaW4AK1EGIOdPSUK7eRWRARvElyBzkCFuejfVeWJphngdiYvEaNkdq-kAYd5-uARTMISk2U66x&usqp=CAE

View Quote

^^^^this! it will not harm your synthetic stock and strips paint easily.

Bruce

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Paint Finish Removal?

Armory » General Firearm Discussion

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us