Paint Removal

QurazyQuisp

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2003
2,554
0
76
What is the easiest way to remove dried paint from copper? If I have to use sand paper, I will, but I'd prefer not to.
 

QurazyQuisp

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2003
2,554
0
76
Originally posted by: Trippin315
Originally posted by: QurazyQuisp
What is the easiest way to remove dried paint from copper? If I have to use sand paper, I will, but I'd prefer not to.
Blow torch


Will it screw up the way the copper looks? It might be a bronze of some sort too, but I'm counting on copper.
 

imported_Trippin315

Golden Member
Nov 23, 2004
1,855
0
0
Originally posted by: QurazyQuisp
Originally posted by: Trippin315
Originally posted by: QurazyQuisp
What is the easiest way to remove dried paint from copper? If I have to use sand paper, I will, but I'd prefer not to.
Blow torch


Will it screw up the way the copper looks? It might be a bronze of some sort too, but I'm counting on copper.
Yes, it will warp the copper. I was having a bit of fun.

 

QurazyQuisp

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2003
2,554
0
76
No, it's a front door handle. Someone got some paint on it when the front door was being painted. (didn't bother to take it off) and I'd like to remove that paint from it. I've taken both the dead bolt and the handle off. I'd like to keep the same look though.
 

bctbct

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 2005
4,868
1
0
Use a dull putty knife to scrape it off. Most chemical will also remove any sealer that may be on it. Goof Off might work.
 

QurazyQuisp

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2003
2,554
0
76
I'm using some goof off, and it seems to work pretty well... My second question would be, would it be bad to just dump some goof off into a tub and submerge this thing in it? if so, I'll just keep doing what I'm doing, but it'd seem like it'd be quite a bit quicker.
 

Injury

Lifer
Jul 19, 2004
13,066
2
81
Don't use any sort of sandpaper or abrasive. Copper is VERY maleable.

I'm guessing on it being brass, though.

If you are going to use chemicals that aren't necessarily approved for copper, call up the company and ask if there would be any likely chemical reaction to copper. How bad would it suck if in a few months, your door handle was a solid greenish-blue? ;)