need dried vinyl paint removal help

[sagacious]

I have some large powder-painted jigs that were detailed with a small amount of vinyl paint. Well you know how these projects go-- sometimes they work out as expected, and sometimes they don't!

So, I'd like to remove the vinyl paint detailing. Does anyone know which solvent or chemical will remove vinyl paint once it has completely dried?

Soaking in laquer thinner won't lift or soften it, and before I buy a bunch of random solvents, I'm hoping someone has had some experience with this. Thanks!

[reeves]

Sagacious,

Try MEK. It will lift the powder paint as well. I use it anytime I need to strip a bait. Just let soak for about 15 minutes and the paint should lift off very easily.

Hope that helps you.

[sagacious]

George,

Thanks, that is helpful-- and MEK is easy to find.

Is MEK the only option, or is there a solvent that will strip the vinyl, but won't affect the powdercoat?

Or is it a matter of a short soak will remove the vinyl, and longer soak will remove the powdercoat?

[timjohnson]

Ahhhhhh.....Methyl Ethyl!!!!!!!!

The ONLY thing I've found in making baits that will give me a headache faster than painting with vinyl!

It does work, just be careful and use in a well ventilated area, and for goodness sake, don't get a good "whiff" of it, or you'll be dizzy for a little while....don't ask me how I know!!

[reeves]

When painting eyes using vinyl paint and did not get quite the right positioning, I had to remove while still wet, and used CSI's vinyl thinner. Got the vinyl paint off quick but also took the gloss off the powder paint. This vinyl thinner is some pretty strong stuff, but I am inclined to think MEK is stronger.

An option would be to try one and if it takes the gloss off the powder coat, a good clear as a final finish might restore everything. Just a thought.

[kelly]

I have used zippo lighter fluid for my vinyl head cement for fly tying. Got that tip from a Friend. He told me thats what they sell you in that expensive little bottle. Just an idea for that problem if you already have it on hand. I have not tried it. I do not like the smell so just use powder.

[sagacious]

When painting eyes using vinyl paint and did not get quite the right positioning, I had to remove while still wet, and used CSI's vinyl thinner. Got the vinyl paint off quick but also took the gloss off the powder paint. This vinyl thinner is some pretty strong stuff, but I am inclined to think MEK is stronger.

An option would be to try one and if it takes the gloss off the powder coat, a good clear as a final finish might restore everything. Just a thought.

I noticed the same thing-- that the CS thinner will 'etch' the surface of powder paint. And there's the rub: that means the vinyl paint really adheres to a powdercoat, and is tough to remove.

Thanks, this has been insightful. I think I'll pick up some MEK to try, and just to have on hand for a variety of other applications.

[sagacious]

I have used zippo lighter fluid for my vinyl head cement for fly tying. Got that tip from a Friend. He told me thats what they sell you in that expensive little bottle. Just an idea for that problem if you already have it on hand. I have not tried it. I do not like the smell so just use powder.

Hmmm... interesting. Well I do have some on hand, I'll see what happens.

[dlaery]

This reminds me when I use to work in a body shop a truck would come in and they would want the painted name removed from the door without having to repaint the door. We used Easy Off Oven Cleaner, just spay it on and let it soak. I don't remember how long, but then we would wipe it off with some type of paint prep solvent. You could still see the letters in the paint because it would be a slight different shade where the letters were. But then you could paint a different name on the door. This saved having to repaint the door.