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Getting Paint Off of Plastic?

  • Thread starter Thread starter UncleMike
  • Start date Start date
U

UncleMike

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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?
 
Aggressive wet sanding using progressively smaller grits as you begin to break through to the original colour.

No chemicals.
 
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:
chuck hahn said:
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!!!!
Click to expand...

Great thoughts, Chuck.

Thanks, guys!
 
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...
 
nvr2old said:
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...
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
Sounds good, and thanks!

Luckily I have two of each fender, so plenty to test on!
 
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!!!!
 
No, there are actual products out there designed to strip paint from plastic. Do a Google search, I'm sure you'll find it.
 
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.
 
Gonna have to try the Dot 3 brake fluid. I have 3 ABS fenders for my bike and need to be stripped. I guess it will strip the factory pin stripping off as well.
 
More than 24 hours with DOT3 fluid on the plastic and no damage or discoloration evident. Pour it on thickly enough and the paint just bubbles right off the surface, just like Aircraft Stripper (except with no horrific smell.)
 
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