I have a PW 153 block signal that has some darker green paint on the light green base. Can I get it off the origional paint without damaging it or do I have to sand and repaint?
I know of 2 products to try: Laquer thinner. Pour laquer thinner on a rag, and start wiping. Repaints are usually not as strong as original finish, and may dissolve the “newer paint”, without destroying the paint underneath. Paint Stripper Residue Cleaner: Can be purchased at Walmart. Same as above, but smells like oranges. Both take a little time to work. Neither one is foolproof, but both have worked for me in the past, when taking off a repaint.
John,
I had a similar situation where someone had slopped red paint on the base of a 45N gateman. A bit of Goo Gone on a rag removed the red paint without harming the original green paint on the base.
Try water first: It might be something like poster paint or tempera.
Determining what type of paint you want to remove from what kind of paint is the first step. I’ve used both of the already mentioned methods before with success. Sometimes warming the paint with a hair dryer helps, then with a piece of wood like a popsicle stick flect it off. I’ve also had success with acetone, (nail polish remover) alcohol, paint thinner, or warm soapy water. I go easy and start in an inconspicious spot when possible.
Jim