Is it possible to remove spray paint without damaging the factory paint and chrome?

Submitted by tbayjay on Tue, 06/28/2016 - 14:20

I just scored a Massey motorbike.  I haven't dated it yet but will update the post with that info soon.  

Overall, it is in pretty good condition.  Unfortunately, someone decided to spray paint the frame, fork and rims and wasn't very concerend about overspray or taping.  The headset, part of the stem, spokes, bottome bracket are all partially painted.  

I'm not too worried about removing it from the plated parts but would love to hear from anyone who has gone through some trial and error with removing old spray paint from sitting on top of the factory paint.

I was going to start with some rubbing alcohol but open to suggestions for anything that will work better.  thanks!

 

 

6 Comments

Submitted by simonkarl on Tue, 06/28/2016 - 18:15.

Ive been using goof off grafitti remover to remove shitty spray bomb and brush jobs. Works really well, just spray and wipe off with a damp cloth, doing small areas at a time is less stressful and allows you to control the removal better. you'll have to gauge how long to let it stand before wiping off according to the thickness of the paint, also make sure you really wet the cloth repeatedly to get the excess off. The product retails for about $10 plus tax at your local rona.

Submitted by jdwillia on Tue, 06/28/2016 - 21:56.

Goof Off sounds good. If it happens to be sprayed with a lacquer, you could wipe it off with lacquer thinner, without damaging the original enamel.

Good Luck!

John Williamson

Submitted by tbayjay on Tue, 06/28/2016 - 22:24.

Thanks guys. No Rona in my town but I see Home Depot has a different brand graffiti remover.  I didn't realize this stuff even existed.  I'll give e that a shit this weekend. Will try small areas at a time   

 

Picked up the bike after work and it's pretty good condition other than the butchered paint job.  I don't think it needs much except some time to regressed and clean. I'm pretty excited to start on it.  My phone isn't letting me post pics but I'll try again from my computer in the morning.  Thanks again  

 

Submitted by simonkarl on Wed, 06/29/2016 - 12:01.

The tremclad graffiti remover isn't as strong as the goof off, doesn't work half as well as. fyi.

Submitted by nycet3 on Sun, 07/17/2016 - 06:09.

any updates tbayjay? I'd love to see how it's coming along. 
good luck. Joe

Submitted by tbayjay on Thu, 07/21/2016 - 10:24.

I didn't have any luck.  I tried the goof off graffiti remover but I guess the spray paint was on for too long (from the mid 70's).  I also tried oven cleaner and extra fine sandpaper.    The good thing is that I didn't invest too much time with trying to remove the spray paint before I noticed how mangled the frame was.  I ended up just stripping it down to use the components on my delivery frame (which I haven't had time to work on yet.).