Rattlecan removal

[BullOnParade]

So a while back I bought an AR off the EE which had been rattle can camoed. I want to undo this now, what is the ideal paint remover for steel, aluminum and polymer components? I could put some elbow grease into it if a lesser product will preserve components better than a harsher product.

Thanks in advance.

 

[stewbud]

Acetone takes off paint with little effort.

Only to be used on metal - as it eats some plastic.

 

[ted_dent]

Acetone takes off paint with little effort.

Only to be used on metal - as it eats some plastic.

Lacquer thinner is a little less volatile than acetone but same warning regarding some plastic parts.

 

[Yarbo]

If you can, soak the parts in simple green. It gets under the paint and lifts it up. Just scrub with a soft brush and it won't ruin the original finish underneath.

 

[ssapach]

I'd also opt for acetone, just wear a mask or do it outside. Also, latex gloves as acetone will eat the nitrile gloves.

 

[JayCarver]

I’ve also used acetone to remove rattle can paint jobs and was surprised how well it worked. Made it pretty quick and painless.

 

[Dunno]

I used MEK mixed with acetone 1:1 on an anodized aluminum chassis and Magpul stock that had been painted with spray paint and enamel paint. Soaked it overnight in a closed container and then scrubbed with a stiff plastic bristle brush to remove nearly all the paint. A respirator and a well ventilated shop are required for this to be done safely. Lots of work and there is still a little haze from the paint on the chassis and stock. Thinking a light blast with crushed walnut will clean it up completely.

 

[kamlooky]

I've had some luck with an airosawl ……………. Graffeetee Remover.
Less stench and a wee bit gentler.

Use caution with MEC chit.
It's brutal.

 

[Greenhorse six]

Turpentine works for most rattle can paint removal.

 

[jonh172]

Use a spray can of brake clean for the metal, the paint will just flow off.

And like what was said, Simple Green auto de-greaser and a Dollarama green and yellow scouring pad for the plastic.

 

[OkayShooter]

Goof Off Graffiti remover.

 

[laurencen]

removed several paint finishes from both plastic and wood , place it in a bag, add a half cup of acetone and seal the bag, leave for a few hours, it should start to peel the paint, may take a couple times, last one was a rattle can finish on a encore, after 3 cycles the plastic looked good as new