Author Topic: Removing Paint from trim peices  (Read 941 times)

Offline asm74

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Removing Paint from trim peices
« on: September 23, 2006 - 06:35:58 PM »
I'm staring at this pile of chrome from my challengers body and I'd like to start cleaning it up.  At some point in this cars history of abuse, someone rattle canned the whole thing red, and didnt seem to care much about taping off the trim.  Whats the best way to remove this paint, and clean up the peices to a sparking finish?   Im looking for suggestions other than "Send it out..." 

Thanks!
-a
73 Challenger




Offline DAYLEY/CHALLENGER

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Re: Removing Paint from trim peices
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2006 - 07:32:30 PM »
I have done a little bit of polishing on my trim pieces. I bought a couple of cloth buffing wheels at Northern Hydraulics ( Now Lowes Home Centers have them too).  And I used  a couple of different polishing compounds (Jewelers Rouge).  This took some overspray off and  produced a good shine.

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Offline heminut

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Re: Removing Paint from trim peices
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2006 - 09:06:04 AM »
0000 steel wool works great and, believe it or not, it won't scratch the chrome!
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Offline 4Cruizn

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Re: Removing Paint from trim peices
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2006 - 10:52:18 AM »
0000 steel wool works great and, believe it or not, it won't scratch the chrome!

I agree!!  I would think a clay bar might do a pretty good job too but haven't tried it . . .  :dunno:

Offline OUTLAW

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Re: Removing Paint from trim peices
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2006 - 12:49:41 PM »
if they are metal pieces other than plastic wipe them down with some laquer thinner and an old toothbrush to remove most of the paint then buff with jewelers rouge and they will look better than new

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Removing Paint from trim peices
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2006 - 04:45:31 PM »
For removing paint I bought some Marhyde spray at Advance Auto, said its for aircraft/aluminum, should be ok on chrome as long as it's cool & you don't let it dry.
Works VERY fast.
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Offline HemiDog

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Re: Removing Paint from trim peices
« Reply #6 on: September 24, 2006 - 05:20:30 PM »
I third the steel wool.  :2thumbs:
Used to use it on my '69 Mustang all the time to give it a quick easy shine.

Offline Grancoupe

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Re: Removing Paint from trim peices
« Reply #7 on: September 24, 2006 - 05:35:48 PM »
I've used SOS pads. Similar to steele wool. The soap keeps the wool from scratching the finish of the trim.

Offline EvilTwinATX

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Re: Removing Paint from trim peices
« Reply #8 on: September 24, 2006 - 05:57:34 PM »
Use Brake Fluid and a toothbrush...

I stripped my whole grill with it and it turned out great.. I would try this first before using the potentially abrasive methods. BTW.. It takes a while and for the paint to soften up but it will work. :cooldancing:

Offline asm74

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Re: Removing Paint from trim peices
« Reply #9 on: September 24, 2006 - 06:54:32 PM »
Wow, thanks all!
All seem like really great suggestions!  I think I'll give each one a try to see which works best...
73 Challenger

Offline 70Cuda

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Re: Removing Paint from trim peices
« Reply #10 on: September 24, 2006 - 08:25:21 PM »
Most of the trim on a Challenger is stainless so, if you are buffing it yourself, the buffer will take the paint off just fine with the sisal wheel.  Mostly the same with aluminum too.

Offline duodec

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Re: Removing Paint from trim peices
« Reply #11 on: September 24, 2006 - 10:34:29 PM »
Brake fluid and a bristle brush worked for me; I'd be hesitant to try steel wool, but for tougher stuff bronze wool is available from good hardware stores, and used with light oil can be quite effective and pretty safe.  Its quite useful for safely removing rust from some metal finishes like rust blueing (firearms) too.