Removing white lettering

Retired W4 · #1 02-21-2011, 04:03 PM

I have this 28-2 that someone (I don't think it was S&W) had put what looks like white paint where the lettering is, then apparenly wiped off the upper surface, leaving the white down in the imprints. I have seen this many times before, but I really don't like the way it looks. I tried some of my Wife's fingernail polish remover (first on a spot under the stocks) with no avail. They also painted the top of the front sight red, which is the poor man's red ramp sight. Any ideas on removing the white in the letters without damaging the blue?

VM · #2 02-21-2011, 04:12 PM

I've used straight acetone (bought from hardware store) before and it worked great.
Don't think the fingernail polish remover is strong enough as it is weaker strength.
I've never had acetone harm the blueing either.

Chuck Jones · #3 02-21-2011, 04:14 PM

That's very common on used guns around here,

I use BreakFree and a bronze bore brush.

a squirt of break free, let it soak a minute, brush a little, repeat.

Should be gone in five minutes.

If you want to put it back on — white shoe polish (liquid) with a Q-tip, wipe off the excess, repeat

five minutes work

/c

lebomm · #4 02-21-2011, 04:27 PM

My favored method is to use straight acetone and a natural-bristle acid brush to get down into the rollmarks. Don't use a toothbrush, as the acetone may dissolve the bristles, and almost certainly the handle. This will work on the front sight as well.

Larry

Retired W4 · #5 02-21-2011, 06:06 PM

The acetone worked great. I just happened to have an acid brush (small) from my flight department days. I finished it up with Break Free on a tooth brush. Looks great. Thanks guys

jepp2 · #6 02-22-2011, 07:37 PM

Glad you were able to get it removed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lebomm

Don't use a toothbrush, as the acetone may dissolve the bristles, and almost certainly the handle. This will work on the front sight as well.

Larry

I use toothbrushes to remove the finish on stock with acetone. It does not dissolve the nylon bristles. Rarely does it attack the handle, and only worked on a softer rubber inserted on one handle. Just for future reference.