Stripping paint from plastic

[JohnC]

I knew my used console had been painted but looking up close I decided I want to strip it so I don’t fill in the grain with
More coats of paint.
I’ve heard of denatured alcohol, Castrol Superclean, Brake fluid, certain chemical strippers that I’m sure aren’t available near me, oven cleaner….
Anyone got a go to?

Heard motorcycle and model builders say brake fluid.

 

[Nashville Cat]

Not sure what to do with plastic ?

 

[cheveslakr]

That's tough. I'd hope it's lacquer then you could use thinner and a stiff brush, but not wire. No harsh chemicals, or it'll soften the plastic and you'll have a mess.

 

[JohnC]

I’ve heard countless people say brake fluid on Internet forums. I’ll try that. I only have 70% isopropyl alcohol and it didn’t do shit. Bought some simple green that some people say works. I’ll try that on another section and I have some Purple Power. Do they even make Castrol Superclean anymore?

Not sure why the super detergents like Superclean and Purple Power would work but people say it does.

 

[Nashville Cat]

I’ve heard countless people say brake fluid on Internet forums. I’ll try that. I only have 70% isopropyl alcohol and it didn’t do shit. Bought some simple green that some people say works. I’ll try that on another section and I have some Purple Power. Do they even make Castrol Superclean anymore?

Not sure why the super detergents like Superclean and Purple Power would work but people say it does.

Maybe try spray painting a small area and see if it looks good ? Do you really need to strip it ?

 

[Shovelrick]

I used Easy Off oven cleaner to remove lettering off a work van in the 80's but that's probably been neutered by the EPA?

 

[Shovelrick]

Maybe try spray painting a small area and see if it looks good ? Do you really need to strip it ?

I agree trying a small not so noticable area to start with, wash and rinse good after so chems dont stay on eating away

 

[JohnC]

Google told me that oven cleaner is safe for most plastic but not all plastic. Never heard anyone say brake fluid was harmful so that’s my next step. Tried simple green and Purple power, soaking paper towel with it, laying it on and wrapping in plastic (the old navel jelly trick). Didn’t do shit overnight. Maybe it takes longer but I suspect it’s the type of deal where is works for latex paint but nothing else.
I dropped off stuff at the chrome shop and he told me to expect 3-4 weeks so I’ve got time since I want to paint all this stuff at once.

 

[Shovelrick]

I know for a fact Dot 3 will eat rubber front coil spring cushions, plastic?? Rust remover will remove latex paint and enamel but will also eat rubber handles on pliers after letting soak for days on a cheap pair of pliers just to see what would happen, I actually forgot about them and it even ate into the cheap Chinkatown metal, EvapOrust

 

[JohnC]

I painted on some brake fluid this morning. Probably 8 hours ago. Just went to check on it. It certainly isn’t fast but it is softening the paint. With light scrubbing with a scotch brite pad some areas lose their paint quickly while others look barely touched. This feels like it’s going to be a 2 day process. On the upside, I see no reason to think the plastic is being damaged. Painted on some more just now.