I'm with bowties. Mine has been painted over and I found no way to remove the top coat without also removing the original paint. I also bought a repop data plate but don't have it on yet. If you really want to save the original you might try a painting conservator (those who clean & restore fine art paintings) and see if they can help you.

Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
The three main causes of blindness: Cataracts, Politics, Religion.
Name your dog Naked so you can walk Naked in the park.