Help! Stripping paint from FG Vader helmet

[dcarty]

Hello all,
I recently purchased a casting of a 20th Cent Vader helmet from a fellow forum member. It is painted in a really nice automotive quality paint job with a clear coat that, unfortunately, is not very accurate so I'd like to strip it down and repaint it (I'd also like to try and confirm if it's really a 20th Century casting or not). I've researched past threads for methods people use to strip paint and have tried using Easy-Off oven cleaner, Brake Fluid, and Acetone, all of which which did absolutely nothing. I tried Goof-Off Graffiti stripper and it dulled the finish a bit when I went at it with a toothbrush. The only thing that got any real result was Auto-Stripper; I had to leave it on for 20 minutes (!) and all it did was soften the paint enough to where I could scrape some of it off with a sharp knife (see pic). Auto-Stripper scares me because it's very well known for melting fiberglass and obviously I don't want to do that.

I don't know what it's painted with although I suspect it's automotive lacquers. I know I could use Auto-Stripper sparingly to maybe eat through the clear coat and a few layers of paint, then maybe use something else to get down to the gelcoat, but I'd feel more comfortable using something I had more control over in case there was an accident. So, short of sandblasting the thing, anyone have anything else to suggest?

Thanks for your suggestions!

Dave C

 

[Darth Detroit]

DONT USE STRIPPER!!!!

Sand, sand, sand and sand some more... then you WET sand.. wet sand... youget the idea. If you put stripper on it it will damage the resin in the fiberglass, or if its plastic, it will melt or deform the plastic.

Have some pateince, and just sand it.

 

[darth billy]

Ive used degreaser greased lighting over the years from walmart and ive had no trouble with it.You just have to leave it soak in it for 24hrs or longer and it should get all that paint off of course you still have to do some sanding here and their.

Good luck.

Billy

 

[dcarty]

Thanks for the suggestions so far Gents!

I could see sanding down to the primer coat but I wouldn't want to go any farther in case I damaged the casting texture of the gelcoat (assuming it hasn't already been sanded). I've stripped my share of Vader helmets over the years which is why this one kind of has me frustrated. The Goof-Off is designed for use on fiberglass and I stripped a DP Deluxe recast I had with it a little over a year ago and with a few evenings, and A LOT of elbow grease, it worked like a charm.

I might give the Greased Lightning a try too. Like I said I'm very concerned about not damaging the casting if this is a gin-u-wine 20th Century.

Dave

 

[darth billy]

Maybe you should take it to a professional if your that worried.I once stripped a paint job off of one of my guitars and it went bad very very bad.It Cost me over $500.00 to get it repainted etc etc so I can understand why your woried.

Good luck.

Billy

 

[Too Much Garlic]

I'll second going to a professional... at least to get an opinion on how to remove the paint. Maybe they can even recommend something, as they'd probably recognize the kind of paint used.

Stay away from stripper, as has been said... it takes away the paint, but unfortunately also takes away more! :thumbsdown

Good luck with stripping it.

 

[dcarty]

Maybe you should take it to a professional if your that worried.I once stripped a paint job off of one of my guitars and it went bad very very bad.It Cost me over $500.00 to get it repainted etc etc so I can understand why your woried.

Good luck.

Billy

Thanks Bill and NHM--I agree.

As it happens I was talking to a close friend, and fellow board member, about taking the helmet to his Uncle who owns a body shop and has been in the business probably since the 70's. I figured if he couldn't give me an answer I'll just leave it as-is for the time being.

Dave

 

[darth billy]

Thanks Bill and NHM--I agree.

As it happens I was talking to a close friend, and fellow board member, about taking the helmet to his Uncle who owns a body shop and has been in the business probably since the 70's. I figured he he couldn't give me an answer I'll just leave it as-is for the time being.

Dave

That sounds like a good idea you dont want to get to stressed out about it.

Billy

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Have you spoken with the previous owner about what paint brand was used. That is definitely information that could assist you when seeking help.

 

[EchoSix]

Lacquer thinner.

Use t-shirt type fabric and try it on the inside egde first. I'm sure there's some overspray there.

Just use gloves when handling the wet rag though. Lacquer thinner's not good for you.

Just try a little bit at first. It should cut through the paint after a little while, but you'll need some elbow grease. Then stop rubbing when you see the primer showing. It WILL work it's way through the surface, without damaging the glass underneath, but be prepared for some sore fingers and arms.

DON'T soak it! Just wet the rag and then rub it on the surface.

Acetone WILL eat the paint off... But I don't have a clue what it'll do to the fiberglass.

 

[Vaders_Happy]

Thanks Bill and NHM--I agree.

As it happens I was talking to a close friend, and fellow board member, about taking the helmet to his Uncle who owns a body shop and has been in the business probably since the 70's. I figured he he couldn't give me an answer I'll just leave it as-is for the time being.

Dave

I would be interested to know what he said.

 

[dcarty]

Thanks for all the great ideas guys, I might try some laquer thinner too just to see if I can get any results. I'll post whatever info I learn at the body shop. I know there are some professional paint types around here too and if you guys can add anything to the discussion that'd be great!

Dave

 

[Gigatron]

If it really is automotive lacquers, brake fluid will take it off with damaging the fiberglass.

Normal disclaimers apply - Try some on a hidden area and check for any reactions.

-Fred

 

[Darth Clouds]

I'd recommend hobby lacquer thinners from Mr Hobby. It's a japanese product and so far it has been kind on gel coat. I have removed paint from a vader lid with this.

I brush on the thinner on an area, let it soften the paint for about ten seconds, and wipe with cotton cloth. No sanding required.

Hope this helps.:love

 

[EchoSix]

I'd recommend hobby lacquer thinners from Mr Hobby. It's a japanese product and so far it has been kind on gel coat.

That sounds great. I gotta' remember that one.

 

[dcarty]

Have you spoken with the previous owner about what paint brand was used. That is definitely information that could assist you when seeking help.

Taking your excellent advice I PM'd him and he said that the helmet was airbrushed with 2 part Standox paints:

http://www.standox.com/portal/

Looks like they manufacture aftermarket automotive paints--it's quality stuff too. Anyone here work with them?

Dave

 

[Too Much Garlic]

Haven't worked with them, but if it is clear coated you may need something strong to break through the clear. Brake fluid is just not strong enough, but should work well on stripping the paint, though may also have a problem with primers. I know this from first hand experience.