Stripping a figure problem

[Bluebottle]

I bought a white metal figure off e bay which was in very good condition apart from being undercoated (badly) in some sort of off white paint.

So far, its totally resisted all attempts to remove it. Ive tried two types of thinners , industrial and normal cellulose , white spirit, alcohol, neat Dettol ….nope….not even touching it . Goodness knows whats been used as undercoat, the only way ive got any off is by file and suede brush but Im risking the figures detail .
Ive left the solvents on over night to do their work but again….nothing.

Maybe the “super” undercoat was some left over tin from the space shuttle ?

Any suggestions ?

 

[VerSacrum]

If Acetone won't take it off nothing will

 

[Bluebottle]

As used in nail varnish removal ?

 

[Landrotten Highlander]

You should test this on a bit of white metal that you can miss if things goes awry, and ALWAYS use PPE (goggles and acid resistant gloves)

in my first job we used an automotive paint remover which seemed to work on almost anything. You brush it on, leave for some time (until the paint stops shrivelling) then remove the partially desolved paint with a spatula. If not all paint dissolved you just rinse and repeat. After make sure you rinse the piece thoroughly.

I cannot remember the name, but we used to find this stuff in your standard automotive supply shop. Not sure if it is still available given the current stringent regulations, but worth while a search?

 

[zemjw]

I have had success with Biostrip 20, including 30+ year old gloss varnished enamels, athough it can take a few days of soaking.

 

[Briggsy]

I would suggest Nitromors paint stripper which can be bought from B&Q. Alternatively Mr Muscle oven cleaner left on overnight. Short of that Sellafield has a pretty toxic water based solution!

Cheers Simon

 

[theBaron]

I use a product called SuperClean, an automotive de-greaser. It used to be made by Castrol but I think it was spun off. I don't know if it's available in the UK, however.
Have you tried lacquer thinner?
One thing I recommend that you should be able to do, and which some others have also suggested, is to soak the piece, instead of just brushing it on. I do this with the SuperClean. I use glass jars of varying sizes, to fit pieces of various sizes. I fill the jar with the liquid, then soak the piece. Now, with SuperClean, paint will dissolve into the solution in minutes. The longer the soak, the more the paint dissolved. But I will remove the piece and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away the softened paint that hasn't dissolved away. The longer the soak, the more paint dissolves away and the easier to remove the rest.
I would try a lacquer thinner bath and soak the piece in it, taking care to work in a well-ventilated area, of course.
Hope that helps!
Prost!
Brad

 

[kevininpdx]

For metal figs I have to second the acetone recommendation. The pure stuff. Common item at hardware stores here in the USA. It will strip the parts clean. I hardly even need to scrub the parts after. Also safe on the material. I accidentally stashed a small container with parts soaking for months. The metal had a gray patina but otherwise was perfect.