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Getting Paint Off of Plastic?

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    #1

    Getting Paint Off of Plastic?

    I've got plastic front and rear fenders that the PO painted white. The paint is flaking and I can see the original color of the fenders underneath.

    Any idea of a good way to get the white paint off without harming the plastic beneath?
    Tags: None
    #2
    Aggressive wet sanding using progressively smaller grits as you begin to break through to the original colour.

    No chemicals.

    Comment

      #3
      They make plastic safe stripper. You can also try different things on some scrap ABS to see what will and wont ruin it.. Acetone WILL EAT plastic..I know this for sure. Laquer thinner often come in cans with the plastic flip top lids, so it would reason to say that laquer thinner wont harn it..but test first!!!!
      Last edited by chuck hahn; 01-07-2013, 01:43 PM.
      MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
      1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

      NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


      I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

      Comment

        #4
        Originally posted by chuck hahn View Post
        They make plastic safe stripper. You can also try different things on some scrap ABS to see what will and wont ruin it.. Acetone WILL EAT plastic..I know this for sure. Laquer thinner often come in cans with the plastic flip top lids, so it would reason to say that laquer thinner wont harn it..but test first!!!!
        Great thoughts, Chuck.

        Thanks, guys!

        Comment

          #5
          Check this forum post out

          Plastic-Safe Paint Remover?
          http://www.therpf.com/f9/plastic-safe-paint-remover-75866/
          I did my own research on this, but I thought I would ask here to see if there's any experts around with personal expirence. As the title suggests I need paint thinner that wont harm the plastic underneath the paint, it's ABS plastic if that makes a difference. I've heard people suggest Goo...
          MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
          1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

          NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


          I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

          Comment

            #6
            I would just sand it off. Start with some 180 and finish with 400 and it'll be ready for primer. Sometimes, ya just gotta sand..sand..and sand some more...
            1979 GS1000S,

            1982 Honda CX500 Turbo, 1982 Honda MB5 w/CR80 motor, 1977 Honda "nekid" Goldwing, 1976 Honda CB550F cafe', 1972 Honda XL250 cafe'

            Comment

              #7
              Originally posted by nvr2old View Post
              I would just sand it off. Start with some 180 and finish with 400 and it'll be ready for primer. Sometimes, ya just gotta sand..sand..and sand some more...
              Problem is, I suspect the color-impregnated ABS beneath the paint is just fine, and it's the color I need to match the tank.

              Comment

                #8
                So you have color molded plastic...I would try the Testors stuff on that forum OR you can try the brake fluid..do a dab on the under side of the fender and see what the resuklts are. If it buggers up a little underneath then at least its kinda hidden. I have used DOT 3 to take paint off metal and its fast and easy. The only plastic I ever did it to was a triple tree trim piece for on of my skunk projects. I cleaned it up and next day aired it to Larry to send back with the other parts he already had for me. It didnt seem to hurt the ABS at all. Larry will remember that i think.
                MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
                1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

                NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


                I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

                Comment

                  #9
                  Sounds good, and thanks!

                  Luckily I have two of each fender, so plenty to test on!

                  Comment

                    #10
                    I say to test because i dont know what kind of plastic that fender is made of..ABS is hard and not pliable..HDPE is softer and flexable. I know ABS isnt effected by brake fluid..unsure of the other!!!!
                    MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
                    1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

                    NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


                    I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      I found last year the only way to do it was to sand. It took awhile but it worked.
                      Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

                      1981 GS550T - My First
                      1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
                      2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

                      Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
                      Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
                      and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

                      Comment

                        #12
                        No, there are actual products out there designed to strip paint from plastic. Do a Google search, I'm sure you'll find it.

                        Comment

                          #13
                          http://magazine.powerblocktv.com/i/93503/53

                          The guys on this tv show used brake fluid on an '80's mustang grill to remove paint.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Originally posted by Go Mifune View Post
                            http://magazine.powerblocktv.com/i/93503/53
                            The guys on this tv show used brake fluid on an '80's mustang grill to remove paint.
                            Since I have a couple of these fenders, perhaps an official test with many of these methods is in order?

                            Comment

                              #15
                              Got to thinking at work today...brake fluid comes in HDPE plastic bottles and it doesnt hurt them, so i think it will be ok on the plastic fenders too.
                              MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
                              1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

                              NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


                              I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

                              Comment

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