General TR How can I remove the finish on this center console for my 7

[Got_All_4]

Bought some spray dye for the bad spots on my dash and center console that match absolutely perfect and thought this was going to be an easy job. Taping off some areas to test spray the old finish came right off, even with painters tape. How do I remove this finish without destroying the piece it's self. Any ideas? I tried thinner and it didn't touch it.

 

[GTP1960]

Have you tried acetone?

 

[TRTEL]

I second GTP's recommendation for acetone, but certainly urge caution. If the old color lifted like a coating using the new dye, check to see if the can provides the solvent base it uses. Then carefully check to see if the originally grain still exists below the bubbled up old finish. I haven't a clue as to what type of plastic was employed on 7s and 8s. And can only guess molded polyurethane foams. If the grain remains give it a thorough chance to air dry out before a final spray. And test small hidden areas with saturated cotton swabs. Other solvents you might try: ethanol, methanol, MEK, petroleum ethers (starting fluids but without lubricant). I would avoid using removers with methylene chloride. Good luck.

 

[Got_All_4]

I wasn't that clear. It's the original OEM finish that is chipping off ether using a finger nail or that tape I spoke of earlier. The new spray die has not lifted anything. I just tried acetone, M.E.K. lacquer again and none of them budged it. The only thing that worked was paint remover but it really softened the plastic.. Also it seems like only the sun exposed areas are effected. Sections that are under the dash that are sun protected seems ok. I even tried a stainless wire brush to scratch off the finish and it didn't budge.

 

[Darrell_Walker]

I've had pretty good results with the citrus-based paint removers. It comes in a plastic container, so it might be safe for the plastic.

 

[TRTEL]

I've never tried the citrus based remover and that's certainly worth a shot. The remover you did try and softened the plastic probably has methylene chlorides in it and that stuff will just about soften anything. But having said that this might be worth doing a bit of experimentation. Try a few different volumetric mixes of lacquer thinner and that stripper you have. Say about 60% thinner to 40% stripper ( they should be mutual solvents, that is one dissolves in other). If that still softens the plastic beneath try an 80-20 mix. And by all means, safety first, out in the open air, all this stuff is bad news for the liver.

 

[Got_All_4]

Where would I get the citrus based removers?

 

[HerronScott]

Where would I get the citrus based removers?

It's been a while but I thought I bought it at Walmart.

Scott

 

[Darrell_Walker]

Where would I get the citrus based removers?

Home Depot, Lowes, any reasonable hardware store should have it. Scott's recommendation of Walmart is good, too. Also Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Citri-Strip-...33268171&sr=1-1&keywords=citrus+paint+remover

 

[Got_All_4]

Thanks for the tips. I think it will work. I forgot I have a citrus based graffiti remover although it took about 5 coats most of the finish was gone. However it is now completely stripped. On of my customers has a very large bead blast cabinet that they use on bumper covers and other parts that are brittle. Does a great job and what I liked is it got into all the little nooks and crannies. I'll have to use the citrus base stuff for the rest of the dash that is still in the car.
I'll degrease it spray on a plastic adhesion aid then the color. I'll post how it turned out. But don't hesitate for other suggestions.