Removing paint from an old brass steam engine

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1

I acquired an old brass 0-6-0 on ebay with a fairly weak paint job that I want to strip. I have a ultrasonic cleaner. I was wondering what solvent people would recommend in the cleaner to remove the paint from engine so that I can repaint it? Acetone? Paint thinner? - Nevin

2

I am not certain, but I don’t think you want to use flammables like that in the ultrasonic cleaner. I have used a can of carb dip with good results. This is in a gallon can at most parts stores and will remove paint in about a half hour. I would not reccommend putting any plastics in it though. This stuff is caustic so you don’t want to be wiping it on yourself either. After the part is stripped, a bath under the faucet is in order. It is nice in that it will remove any oil, grease, residues etc.

3

I was a clock repairman for many years and nothing will clean brass like the strong ammonia clock cleaning solution. Done in a sonic tank (its water based) it should not take long for it to sparkle. The cleaner is available in concentrate form but be careful with it since the fumes are horrendous. After soaking, rinse it under running water then dry thoroughly. Also make sure the loco is completely submerged in the cleaning solution- any part exposed simultaneously to both the air and the cleaner will have a dark stain. If the sonic tank is not large enough, you can just soak it in a large plastic bowl for a day (covered… remember those ghastly fumes). You might test a piece first- a stack or cab roof, to make sure it will remove the paint but I’ve never encountered anything that would stick to brass in that solution.

Roy