Paint on plastics

[BassBlaster]

Originally Posted by olds45512

the absolute best way to remove paint from plastic without harming the plastic is brake fluid( NOT BRAKE CLEANER ) brake fluid will eat the paint off and wont melt or discolor the plastic, ive tried a few paint strippers that say there safe for plastic but none of the work as advertised and they discolored the plastic a bit. it will take some time to strip using the brake fluid but its worth it to not damaged the plastic.

How does one go about doing this? Just rub it on and let it sit overnight? Im willing to give it a shot. Id prefer to remove the paint and polish the plastic rather than paint it again.

[J-Mech]

Just curious, why do you oppose painting plastic?


If your worried about it bonding, you should know that most all cars have painted plastic, and have had for a very long time.....

[BassBlaster]

Because if I paint it, Ill rattle can it. I do have a HVLP system but I havnt played with it yet. Ive never gotten good results from rattle cans on large areas like the side panels and hood would be. I also know that rattle can paint dosnt last very long. I cant say when this was painted but its very dull and ugly.

My hobby is woodturning and Ive played around quite a bit with turning various acrylics.(mainly alumilite and poly resins) I have the tools and knowledge to make plastic shine like glass. I don't have the same skills for painting.

One day, Ill play around with this HVLP system and see what I can accomplish with it but for now, Im a rattle can man!

[J-Mech]

That's a very fair answer.

[TheSaturnV]

Another vote for just scuffing the paint. Break out that HVLP. Talk to your local body shop supply counter, sometimes you'll get someone really helpful. Use some flex agent, and it should look good for years.

Painting tractors with HVLP is really just like rattle cans, just a lot bigger spray and lots more volume. Like rattle cans, build up the coats one at a time. Use an old piece of paneling or something slicker than cardboard to practice on and set your spray pattern.

Either way you go, good luck!

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by TheSaturnV

Painting tractors with HVLP is really just like rattle cans, just a lot bigger spray and lots more volume.

It's not even really comparable. Wayyyyyyy different. Not because of the gun as much as the difference in paint consistency. Also depends what kind of paint your spraying.

[BassBlaster]

If Im not successful in removing the paint, Ill probably hold off on the painting until I learn how to use it. My wife got it for me for Christmas and I havnt even taken it out of the box yet. I wanted it for wood finishes but if I learn to use it, it will be great for restoring tractors!

[TheSaturnV]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

It's not even really comparable. Wayyyyyyy different. Not because of the gun as much as the difference in paint consistency. Also depends what kind of paint your spraying.

I stand by my opinion.

I've done enough of both, and TO ME, the HVLP gun is like a big ol' rattle can. Yes, the motions obviously differ a bit, but that's only because of the area that the HVLP gun allows you to cover.

[cnsolutions]

HVLP guns do excellent work especially good ones I have 2 SataJets 3 Sharpe and some others the Satas lay paint down like a mirror. Use good paint also I like DuPont and PPG I feel they are the best of the best.

[TheSaturnV]

Agreed.

No need to spend $400 but at least go for something in the $100 range.