How do I remove sight paint?

Ralph G. Briscoe · Jul 13, 2011

I acquired a model 34 Smith...LNIB, except the front sight has been painted orange. Any advice on how to remove it without damaging the underlying blue would be appreciated.
Thanks

crsides · Jul 13, 2011

acetone soak.

I just did a mod 13 front sight. Acetone will not hurt the bluing, but remove the grips before starting. It will take the finish off wood grips so fast you want believe it.

Most of the time, acetone will quickly dissolve the paint, but I had to soak longer and use a toothpick to completely get rid of the paint down in the grooves.

Charlie

01shm · Jul 13, 2011

Nail Polish Remover and Q-Tip/s worked for me. Appy with QT and wait a sec or two and wipe off.

Hope this helps

310Pilot · Jul 13, 2011

Acetone is the best way. It will dissolve the paint, but not hurt bluing. Nail polish remover is acetone in very small bottles st extremely high price per measure of volume. It evaporates rapidly, and should be used in a well ventilated area.

LoboGunLeather · Jul 13, 2011

A bronze bore brush will quickly remove the paint without scratching the bluing. Expect a little bronze transfer onto the front sight while scrubbing, which can be wiped off with an oily rag.

Lou_NC · Jul 14, 2011

Solvents I generally use for stuff like this, in increasing order of "nastiness" include:

1) Goo-Gone
2) mineral spirits / paint thinner
3) lacquer thinner
4) acetone

Lou

chief38 · Jul 17, 2011

I use either Zippo lighter fluid or paint thinner, but just about any of the solvents mentioned above when used with a stiff tooth brush should do the trick. If it has been put on very heavy, you can use a razor blade to shave it down a bit before reaching the metal. Just be cautious not to scrape the metal itself. Oil liberally afterwards.

Chief38

How do I remove sight paint?

Ralph G. Briscoe

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crsides

US Veteran, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade

01shm

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310Pilot

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LoboGunLeather

US Veteran

Lou_NC

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chief38

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