Gotta chance to pick up a great-looking M14-3 in (otherwise) 98%+ condition, SN shows a 1975 bdate. I'll post some pics when I get her. Grips look great and it needs a good cleaning. Somewhere along the way, some knucklehead "painted" all the markings with white paint (?). Some of it has started to wear off although it doesn't look like it's been handled much. My question is this; will Hoppe's or some other solvent take the rest of this paint off? If not, what will 'cause it's got to go....

__________________
TMW
ExFed

acetone will remove it, I use pure acetone but you can use nail polish remover but it stinks.

Are you certain it isnt just the old white crayon gunshow trick ?

As Ronnie said acetone will remove it pronto. I have used it on the stainless guns with no harm. I don't know if the acetone would hurt the blue. You may want to test a spot under the grips first.

What ever they put in Fingernail Polish Remover (acetone or similar spirit) will not harm bluing. I just did a pre-M15 front sight a few weeks ago with some. Had to let a bead of it soak (had to reapply a few times, since it kept evaporating) on the front sight for for 1/2 an hour before the paint came off.

Simple WD-40 might work, too, depending on the type of paint used and how well cured it is.

__________________
~ S&W aficionado in training ~

Acetone or MEK will work. I sort of like the whitened stampings.

Mineral oil will work too.

I may start w/the Hoppes and go from there, thanks to all...

__________________
TMW
ExFed

Here's another vote for acetone.

I just use the 100% acetone nail polish remover. Works every time and doesn't harm bluing.

I have seen white lettering and gold lettering
when its gold , what is it that they use??

__________________
Gun Control= Using Both Hands

I've read on various forums about using either nail polish or crayons.

Both are supposedly easy to apply, easy to remove, come in an assortment of colors, and give the results desired.

Several online retailers sell a gold filler exactly for this.
Gold Inlay Filling Kit for firearms

__________________
Get off my lawn!