The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk A question on paint removal

I recently had my 18' auto hauler trailer painted and noticed the chrome rims on the trailer got some paint overspray (the trailer was painted with automotive paint). I have tried both paint thinner as well as denatured alcohol to remove it, but neither seem to do the job. Any suggestions on what would be the best to use, that would not harm the chrome finish? (Note: taking the trailer back to the guy who painted it is not an option)

Hi,
When you say paint thinner do you mean mineral spirits? I have used both gasoline and lacquer thinner to remove over spray from chrome wheels.

Disclaimer: use outside dont smoke dont get any on paint you wanna keep!

Bill

Thanks Bill--was thinking of using gas. Yep, tried mineral spirits but with no luck. Would the lacquer thinner be better?

Ref your disclaimer: Trailer is outside, I don't smoke, and aware of getting anything I use on other than the chrome. But darn good advice!!!

PS--So how is everything in the "Star City"?

Brian,

Try lacquer thinner and do not get it on any paint, rubber, or organic-based surfaces. It seems to e able to eventually dissolve or soften any paint. Wear gloves but be careful because it also seems to eventually dissolve protective gloves.

You should still be able to buy it in VA.

Tim

Thanks Tim-appreciate the reply. Yep, think they might have that stuff here in VA!

Another thing that works beautifully for removing overspray and cleaning chrome and glass is OOOO grade steel wool.

Brain56,

I have used this successfully on over spray on a painted truck..maybe it would work on your rims!


http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/megc2000.html

Stuart

I've noted that gasoline works very well for removing paint. I have the bubbled up paint on my running board to prove it.
-Chris

You're an adult and can do as you wish but the news is full of stories about people disfigured or killed using gasoline for anything but it's intended use. Lacquer thinner would be my first choice, acetone my second. Lacquer thinner will remove most paints, acetone will remove those that lacquer thinner won't touch. As you found out mineral spirits are only good on uncured paint.

A lot of good replys here and thanks to everyone for their input. Believe I may try the lacquer thinner first, and maybe even use the 4-0 steel wool (great idea there!) for what the thinner may not get. There isn't a LOT of overspray, but main thing I did not want to use anything that would harm the chrome rims. Again, thanks for your advice. The trailer itself looks like new, but will look even nicer once I get the rims cleaned.

gasoline works, but be careful. laquer thinner is a good idea as well. i have used gas the one time it happened to my old truck's rims.

Brian,

The Star is still on he hill...where are you?

Laquer thinner is available at Lowes, Home Depot, even Advance Stores.

Yes! Gasoline is very dangerous so is laquer thinner.

Bill

Brian, while lacquer thinner will, with a lot of rubbing, remove the overspray from your chrome rims, I prefer the triple O steel wool way because it is less dangerous to your skin and your lungs...there are clay cleaners on the market for removing overspray, and there is a product made by AmWay that I used [haven't seen it in years, my 2nd wife sold the stuff], a white chalky stuff that you touched with a wet cloth and it removed overspray, resin, acid rain, and anything else from windshield glass and chrome bumpers. Besides, with lac thinner you could really do some damage if it got spilled. good luck on cleaning your rims.....the old restorer.....LamarB

howdee Brian!!
a product i use a lot for minor cleanup type jobs is called "OOPS"... i comes in several sizes and can be found at walmart; advance store; etc... it is made just for that type of thing as well as labels; tar; road grime; dead bugs; etc...
its also great for cleaning up windshield sticker residue; i use lacquer thinner too but i like to be sure it won't act as a solvent and damage my paint; you shouldn't have much problem on chrome though... best of luck...
bill w.

ok. i have one for ya
how about brake fluid. wont hurt anything other then paint. i even used it on my plastic gauge lense on my 56 pontiac ambulance.

Use the clay the link pointed you too.
virtually risk free. you can get a similar product called Clay magic at any autoparts store that sells wax.

Goof off, scotchbrite, chrome polish.

Rubbing compound mixed with a little water and very fine steel wool.Then polish the rims

Brian,

I have used airplane paint stripper on chrome to remove old paint. It seemed to work fine and didn't hurt the chrome. Just let it sit on the paint for a few minutes to soak in well, then wipe and or scrub it off with very fine steel wool.

Just my 2 cents worth.

John Knight
40 Chev (Rat) project for my 16 year old daughter

I like the cleaning clays on chrome,anodized aluminum and glass for removing overspray.Griots Garage makes a really good clay just for this purpose. I always follow any polish such as clay with a good coat of wax.
Hobert

Thank you all for your informative remarks--sure now I will make the right choice in getting those rims clean.

as a side note on keeping rims somewhat 'polished'!! an old rod trick - try using (rubbing) tin foil's shinny side and fill in those pitted areas