Solvent Paint Removal

[Gill]

I've recently applied a solvent based metallic aerosol paint to components of a segmented MDF project. Most of the paint went on fine, except for one segment which I found difficult to paint inside some nooks and crannies. As a result, I gave this piece several coats of paint and fear I've over-painted. The paint refused to set, even after being left for several days. This morning I took a household paint scraper to the segment and removed most of it but I couldn't reach all the paint, so traces remain although I have made an impression. There are still traces of the paint but abrasive paper is just getting clogged up.

I can smell the fumes of the paint solvent so I'm tempted to leave the segment until there's no more smell, then sand, apply some undercoat and respray. But I need to make sure that I get all the paint into the nooks and crannies properly this time without applying an excess on other areas of the segment.

I'm very much open to suggestions as to the way ahead!

Gill

[Forester21]

My only thoughts on getting the paint into the nooks and crannies is to use a very small paintbrush. Spray some of your paint onto a hard surface (foam plate, aluminum foil ~ whatever), then brush it into the nooks. I thin my paint down significantly when I paint - it goes on much better than trying to put thicker paint on - it takes a few coats to get good coverage (depending on color of paint), but in your nooks and crannies it shouldn't matter as much.

Then spray the remainder of the pieces.

T

[MacS]

Removing Paint

Gill

You mentioned a metallic solvent paint, which, is either an acrylic or a alkyd paint.

Generally, Lacquer Thinners or Acetone should remove the paint down to the wood.

Do not use "Paint Thinners /White Spirits" they are not intented to remove these coatings, you may have tried to wipe off the paint with these solvents, or some other solvent, that is why it not drying or coming off.

[MacS]

Ps

Gill

Try "misting on the paint," until you get color coverage inside the nooks and cranny's, then you can apply your flow coats.

[MacS]

Did it workt?

Gill

Did you get around to trying the "acetone or lacquer thinner" to remove all the sticky paint?

Or, did it heal itself, by finally drying out.

Have you completed the piece yet, or is it drying out.

[Gill]

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any acetone or lacquer thinner in any of our local DIY shops. There's plenty of new kitchen doors, banana pine wrapped in clear plastic, Chiwanese electric screwdrivers and wrought iron gate latches, but no fluids except white spirits and paint brush cleanser :roll:.

I didn't get into the workshop today to check, but I should imagine that the piece in question will have either dried out on its own or have almost done so. Ah well, the next time I visit a decent hardware store I'll keep my eyes open for acetone and lacquer thinner; it'll be handy to have some in stock for when I inevitably run into the same problem again.

Thanks for the advice.

Gill

[MacS]

Another Option

Hi Gill,

Here, is another thought for you to keep in mind.

Your "finger nail polish" may contain some acetone, if you can check the bottle, it usually is buffered with water, but yet it is strong enough to remove nail polish, which normally is colored acrylic lacquer.

Gill, you may want to add this tip, into your finishing notebook, it may come in handy some day.

Good Luck