1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Thoughts On Gently Removing Paint?

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by TonyM, Oct 20, 2021.

  1. Oct 20, 2021
    TonyM

    TonyM Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Middle Tennessee
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2017
    Messages:
    169
    My '56 tailgate has the remnants of the original Willys dealer decal on it. The "4 Wheel Drive" stencil/decal is also there, but covered by a layer of what is probably rattle can Rustolem paint.

    I'm glad they PO's didn't pain over the decal, but has anyone had good luck gently removing a layer or two of paint to expose markings underneath?

    When I had my M38 the method to expose hood numbers/markings and other details was to gently hand sand and expose as you go. Is there a better way?

    I'm not really concerned with how it might effect the overall finish/patina, the jeep has plenty of character and I'd rather expose what might be the original rather than re-stenciling "4 Wheel Drive".

    Here's a pic of the tailgate. 4WD is in the usual right hand panel of the tailgate. A pic of the existing/visible decal is for your reference - and to show that perfection in the finish is not a concern :)


     
  2. Oct 20, 2021
    Cj5dale

    Cj5dale Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Knoxville, Tn
    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2021
    Messages:
    573
    Not guaranteeing any results but

    I removed a layer of paint that was sprayed over this decal
    upload_2021-10-20_19-0-34.jpeg


    With this stuff I bought from Lowes

    upload_2021-10-20_19-1-12.jpeg

    It’s water based and seems pretty gentle.

    The decal didn’t seem to be damaged and never tried to release from where it was originally stuck

    I’ve used it to remove paint from wiring as well and it never seemed to hurt the insulation.

    Just have to keep checking it.
     
  3. Oct 20, 2021
    TonyM

    TonyM Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Middle Tennessee
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2017
    Messages:
    169
    thanks - I may give that a try. looks like the decal you uncovered came out ok!
     
  4. Oct 20, 2021
    Cj5dale

    Cj5dale Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Knoxville, Tn
    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2021
    Messages:
    573
    It did. By the way, the wrinkles on the decal were there before I did anything.

    Maybe just try a small corner to start?

    What part of middle tn are you in? I used to live in franklin, later moved to Columbia working at the Saturn plant in Spring Hill back in the day. I’m in Knoxville now
     
  5. Oct 20, 2021
    TonyM

    TonyM Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Middle Tennessee
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2017
    Messages:
    169
    The irony is I went to HS in Knoxville (Farragut) in the early 80s and live in Franklin now. Opposite, yet small world :)
     
    Cj5dale likes this.
  6. Oct 22, 2021
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,083
    Careful with chemicals on that type of decal. It might destroy it. I would wet sand it.
     
  7. Oct 22, 2021
    Cj5dale

    Cj5dale Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Knoxville, Tn
    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2021
    Messages:
    573
    Actually wet sanding sounds like a safer idea.
     
  8. Oct 24, 2021
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Messages:
    4,489
    I recently saw a video of a lady removing paint from a VW van with a product called Goof Off Graffiti Remover. Seemed to work well at removing “new” paint to get down to the original and it didn’t seem to hurt the original paint.
     
  9. Oct 28, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    JMO - if you are going to apply a solvent, suggest you start with least volatile and move to more volatile. For example, I would start with something like canola oil, rub with a soft rag and see what happens. Then maybe wintergreen oil (Marvel Mystery Oil), and then paint thinner. A little rubbing and some persistence would seem to be the proper approach. If you are getting color on the rag and not damaging the decal, keep going. Citrus oil is often a component of paint remover, and something like Orange Glo might be safe and effective. Next would be maybe xylene - very useful for cleaning gently with no oily residue. Graffiti remover probably contains hot solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons which may be effective but also dissolve your decal.
     
New Posts