UBB.threads Forums General Interest Restoration, Conservation, and Maintenance Forum Removing paint from wood?

Hello, I've done a search on this topic and can only find discussions where the underlying surface is metal or paint. So here's my problem.

I recently acquired a SS dagger that is several gades above "beater" but still qualifies as a "project". One of the issues that I would like to correct is that someone painted the eagle silver and the wooden handle black.

What I would like to know is what might remove the paint without harming the wood underneath? Also, any hints on what to use on the eagle without harming the patina.

Hopefully I will be able to post some before and after photos in the Collector's Showcase. Thank you all very much in advance.

The answer is going to depend on the type of paint used. If it's acyrlic, you can use soap, water, and a toothbrush. If it's enamel, you'll need to use thinner or a paint remover like Zip-Strip. If it's epoxy based, you may have to sand it off.

Go to your local paint store. There is a product that is enviromentally safe ( may be zip strip which Vern mentioned). Another is peel away. This will remove any paint(acyrlic, oil base even epoxy) and is also a water base enviromentally friendly product. Either way your Paint store should be able to advise you on the best product.

Hello,
I would try Vern's meathod first. What ever method you use just be very careful to not soak the wood it could cause to to crack, I have had a Sa grip crack when it soaked up too much moisture after i cleaned some paint off. Try to use a rag and/or soft toothbrush and only do small spots at a time, Patience is a virtue when restoring a old piece of wood.

Eric

In my experiance in removing paint from wood Zip-Strip has worked well.However In my first efforts ,I greated more problems for myself due to lack of patience!I have found a nice thick application applied and not messed with untill the paint has "Crinkled" Extensivly,Usually will allow you to wipe the paint completely off.If you try to keep painting it on,it dosent seem to get down to the wood as effectively.As far as not affecting the patina on the grip eagle ,I think it is a no win situation.One positive note on the eagle is,The patina will return over time.My concern would be how the eagles composition would be affected by the stripper.Aluminum, nickle silver, plated copper, etc.Perhaps someone with more experiance can add some advice.Good Luck Geoff.

Just a short follow up ,I agree that water is not good for wooden grips because of the possibility of swelling and cracking,I just wiped the crinkled paint off with paper towels.The stripping process may also remove some of the dye on the grip I'm sure Vern could let you know how to restore the proper coloring to the grip.Be sure to take photos for us so we can see the process and results.Good Luck Geoff.

I refinish furniture, and have cleaned paint off of meatals a few times, water will raise the grain so I like using mineral spirits it will clean off stripper and not raise the grain of the wood. Mike

Thank you all for your suggestions. Mostly I was afraid that there was a specific action not to take. I didn't want to melt the SS runes button or transform my blackie into a blond.

I ended up using Parks Pro Stripper II. I applied it with a Q-Tip to small areas and was gradually able to remove all the black paint. For the eagle I used a worn tooth brush. It actually came out looking very good!

Very nice job

I think your restoration worked out very well !

For others to come, have a look at www.lugerforum.com
there's a good artcile how to restore/clean luger grips.