How do you safely remove factory-applied lettering to rolling stock, without removing fine detail such as ‘rivets’? On a smooth surface I use very-fine wet sandpaper, but I don’t wish to remove the ‘rivets’ on my Harriman passenger car. I’ve tried a combo of rubbing alcohol, Varsol, and erasers. Help!!! Thanks.
Yesterday I removed lettering on a loco of mine to redecal it in my prefered roadname. I used a cotton swab (Qtex) to apply some ordinary Pine Sol disinfectant cleaner. Let it soak for a few minuites. Then I gently scrubbed the lettering with a new pencil eraser. The lettering came off without disturbing the base paint. I then rinsed it off using cold water and patted dry without rubbing.
prairie,
I’ve used the gray mechanical erasers pens (the kind you find in Office Depot or Office Max) to remove lettering with good success. The key is to take your time and slowly and gently drag the eraser over the lettering (in one direction ONLY) until it gradually disappears. You want to apply just enough pressure to remove the letter without disturbing the paint layer underneath.
Again, one direction only; NOT back-and-forth motion. (That way you can inspect what you’re doing after each pass.) A magnification visor would be of great assistance to you also - if you don’t already have a pair. For me - it’s THE most used tool in my tool kit.
Tom
Solvaset with an eraser has worked well for me. Go easy and the lettering / numbers come off without damaging the shell. On a few occasions I did have to spot paint the worked area but this was a simple fix and after gloss coating, adding decals and then dull coating everything turned out fine.
Good luck,
John R
I have used a product called "Simple Green ", soaked it a few hours or overnight , then used the eraser like the guys above. works good , but sometimes takes a few soakings