NOTE: I am NOT recommending you use acetone to remove rattlecan paint. Your experience may differ from mine. I was really surprised the decals survived this experiment. If you try it, be sure to test a small out of the way area first!!


OK, so I picked up this neglected Klein Aeolus on my recent vacation (what's a vacation without bringing back bike stuff?)... One big defect is the PO's brother had rattlecanned a portion of the frame, right over the decals. Really looked like crap. So I adjusted my offer accordingly, and picked up the project.

Did a little research, some have recommended acetone (nail polish remover), lacquer thinner, and Goof Off. So I picked up some polish remover, 97 cents at Wally World.

It took all of two minutes tops. Some acetone on a rag, wipe it, and off came the paint. OK, in a few areas, I had to rub a little, but it came off easily. And the decals remained in tact!

Bike is still a bit of a mess. Original fork is gone, its a mix of pretty good, but not original components, in so so shape. Fortunately, I have some replacement components in hand (no fork of course), so this project should progress quickly.

That yellow paint on the rear drop out took more time than everything else combined.