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Posted: 6/20/2016 4:53:16 PM EDT
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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. |
| 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. Quoted:
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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. |
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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.... |
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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 +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. |
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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? |
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Will this stiff work to remove that "Muddy Girl" finish that Colt added to some of their ARs/M4s? 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. |
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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 Bruce |
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