How to remove lettering enamel?

[Signed Out]

What is the best way to remove old (10+ yrs) lettering enamel from a truck door without damaging the truck's paint? It isn't much, just an underline about 15"x.5".

 

[player]

We used to use spray oven cleaner.

Truck paint should be original factory paint.

Test in a spot that is not visible.

 

[Billct2]

Yup, be sure is Easy Off original and test somewhere inconspiquous first.
And tell the client it may just ruin the paint job.

 

[OldPaint]

CAUTION: IF YOU NEVER HAVE DONE THIS... and dont know anything about painting an auto.......PASS.......lets say the truck had been repainted with a EARL SHIVE/ECONOBAKE paint ........OVEN CLEANER WILL REMOVE IT along with the lettering paint. if the lettering is 10 years old, i would bet the truck is 15-20 yrs old....so you really have no idea of what is under that lettering paint. convince THEM TO HAVE IT REMOVED...unless you know how to paint a truck door and make it look like...........the rest of the truck)))))

 

[rdm01]

And tell the client it may just ruin the paint job.

This is important. It is very hard to remove some paint without affecting all paint. Generally we use Easy-Off, but the factory paint always seems to take a slight hit (fogging/noticeable disturbance of the paint). You want to let them know what they are getting into prior to doing the work.

 

[SightLine]

Yep - Easy Off over cleaner - in the yellow can. As mentioned test in an inconspicuous spot first. Avoid overspray as much as possible trying to keep it just on the enamel you want to remove. Also avoid overspray on your arms - it burns like he11... Let it set on the enamel for about 1 minute. Then wipe it off with a clean paper towel. The longer you leave it on the more it will remove but the longer it stays on it will start to yellow and discolor the factory paint. We do it in 1 to 2 minute maximum passes, taking as many passes as needed and cleaning the surface between each application with some soapy water. Also use clean paper towels for each application. It can be messy and nasty...

And as mentioned..... make sure your customer knows there are no guarantees.

 

[Jillbeans]

Be super ultra careful.
Do not use the Easy Off outside in the sun.
If the vehicle is red...don't use Easy Off (will change the color of the paint)
I would try masking off the area with good tape, slightly scuffing it with a Scotchbrite pad (on the stripe only) then blot it with a sponge dampened in turpentine or better yet, Rapid Remover.
You may have to do this several times, wiping it carefully with a soft cloth after each application.
I wouldn't spray anything directly onto the vehicle, even if using Easy Off, spray that into the lid of the can and dab it on with a foam brush.
Rapid Remover will remove lettering enamel if you are very careful with it.
I'd make the client sign a waiver.
You may get some snot from the tape adhesive but Rapid remover will take that off, too.
Love....Jill

 

[Gino]

Many of these home remedies will work, but why not do it right and not take a chance of ruining someone's paint job, let alone the appearance of their truck ??

If it's a little 1/2" stripe, just tape it off a smidgen above and below the painted stripe. Sand it down with 600 or 1200 sandpaper. Go slowly so you don't go down to the primer. Remember, ya just wanna remove the stripe. Once the stripe is gone, hit it with clear and it will come right back. Ya might hafta feather it in, but according to what you're replacing it with, maybe you could incorporate something to take any unsightly yutzes away.

 

[Signed Out]

Thank you all for the advice. I know this customer very well and will definitely warn them of the possibilities of an issue.

Jill, it is the wood recycling company that you just did a layout for us for. They love it by the way.