Classic & Vintage - Removing old house paint from frame?

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tjkwood
01-17-13, 02:00 PM
Hi all,

I've got a 1947 Elswick Light Roadster that's in mechanically good shape. However, a previous owner went to town on it, replacing the handlebars with Phillips ones, fitting Raleigh pedals and replacing the rear mudguard. Worst of all they painted the whole bike with a thick layer of black house paint, covering the chrome fork crowns and covering up the headbadge rivet holes. Is there any way I can hope to strip this back, considering it was probably done some years ago? Thanks!

DIMcyclist
01-17-13, 02:15 PM
It really depends on the kind of paint and how long it's been there. If it's latex, you can remove it with Goof Off or something similar; if the paint's really cured, it might take little patience.

If it's an enamel, I'd suggest a light solvent like lighter fluid or maybe Naptha and a lot of patience.

There is a silver lining here in that most paint will not stick very well to chrome; you might be able to carefully peel or chip it away. Otherwise, selective media blasting might be the quickest way to remove it, but it might be best to save that for a last resort if all else fails.
tjkwood
01-17-13, 02:20 PM
It's not very glossy so I assume it's a latex paint... think I know of a UK equivalent of Goof Off so I'll give it a go :) thanks!