Solvents and Removing Paint

[Chopdoc]

Somebody gave me a cue case. Vinyl. It looks like it got paint spray on it like from a paint roller. It is well dried and stuck on pretty well. Mostly tiny droplets.

I don't know what kind of paint.

I am going to try to clean it and of course need to avoid damaging the vinyl.

I figured to try alcohol first. Then maybe acetone. Beyond that I am not sure. Obviously potent thinners/solvents like petroleums and other such hydrocarbons could dissolve or damage the vinyl.

I figure start with cloth then go to a soft 3M scrubby pad for aggitation/frction if needed, then maybe to upgrade to 0000 steel wool if needed.

Since you guys know so much about solvents and things I figured I would ask for suggestions.

Thanks for any thoughts. :smile:

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[KJ Cues]

I'm going to suggest that you hold-off on the acetone as it's a pretty 'hot' solvent.
If anything is going to melt your vinyl, acetone would be the one that did it.
Depending on the type of paint that's on the case, alcohol may or may not do the job.
The scuffy-pad will do just that, scuff the vinyl. I like the steel-wool suggestion you made.
Start with a fine grade and don't do it dry. For whatever reason I'm thinking a light oil (WD40, etc).
Apply, let it set a minute then try the s/wool. If you start to see success, repeat as necessary.
Wish I could guarantee this will work but I can't. You may be able to polish the vinyl back to orig. gloss.

HTHs, KJ

 

[conetip]

Try going to a car restoration company. They have lots of experience in cleaning vinyl and leather. Don't expect them to tell you how to do it though. They will often do the job cheaper than you can buy all the stuff to do the job with.
Neil

 

[Chopdoc]

Thank you both.

If I can't get it clean I may take it to an expert. But it isn't particularly valuable so I am not too worried about it.

Right now it is an interesting project when I get breaks from work.

Tried the alcohol with a paper towel. Very limited results. May continue with thet until I get a better idea. Not ready to move to steel wool yet. The little bit that is left when using the alcohol and a paper towel is in the tiny grain of the vinyl. Since it is in the grain I expect I would have to rub fairly hard with an abrasive and am avoiding that out of concern for damaging the surface.

Might try letting it soak a little longer next time I pick it up.

The alcohol I am using is in gel form so it does not evaporate nearly as fast.


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