Removing flecks of paint

[Mebailj]

I purcheased a rifle that looks like someone left it in a corner while they painted around it .It has many little rounds spots of paint on the metal and oil finished stock. What would be recommended to remove these spots without damaging the metal or wood?

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[browningautorifle]

Depends on a couple of things...acetone on a "Q" tip will delete a paint spot quite delicately...or volatile mineral spirits... Paint thinner. Depends on what your wood finish is like, patina or no, varnish or oil as to how aggressive you can get. How surgical you need to be.

[Peter Laidler]

Like Jim says. If it was a bog standard military rifle, just do what needs to be done depending on the type of paint. If it's an all singing and dancing commercial, then.......... Any other suggestions chaps?

[painter777]

Removing flecks of paint
I purcheased a rifle that looks like someone left it in a corner while they painted around it .It has many little rounds spots of paint on the metal and oil finished stock. What would be recommended to remove these spots without damaging the metal or wood?

I spent nearly 40 years spraying anything that could be sprayed.
Also spent a lot of time cleaning off over spray

Lets hope it's just over spray from a roller and that it's Latex.

If Latex:
For the metal: Use Denatured Alcohol in a less than obvious spot. It dries quickly, so apply on just a few spots at a time then wipe off with a rag. Reapply as needed and keep using clean wiping rags.

The Wood: Hoping it's just specks laying on top of the grain and not smeared in.
Apply Denatured Alcohol by dabbing a few spots at a time............. lightly with a q tip. Then use a razor pen knife to lightly scrape off the paint spec.
If down in the grain you'll have to apply and lightly scrape the specks out by running with the grain.

If the Denatured Alcohol doesn't pull it loose, it isn't latex. Then we'd have to use a hotter material like Lacquer thinner.

Keep me posted on any results.. or further questions.

Good Luck,
Charlie-Painter777

P.S. What kind of rifle?

[painter777]

If it's an all singing and dancing commercial, then.......... Any other suggestions chaps?

LOL!

[cipherk98]

Painter's method worked well on a wartime Winchester 94 Carbine I bought. Exact same thing, some fine paint splatter on the wood and metal. Came right off with a little alcohol and patience.

[Peter Laidler]

In England we have a saying for things that have plenty of colour/colourful. In that '.......it's got more colours than a painters (or decorators) tool-box'!

[Mebailj]

I have rubbed with an oily rag, and the specks eventually breakdown and disappear. but it is long and wearing. It has an oil finish, the stain is reddish brown. The cartouche(1884) is still clear and dark, so I believe it is the original finish. When I received it, the rear sight was in parts and the firing pin and retaining screw were missing. Anyone have instructions on how to re-assemble a model 1879 Trapdoor rear sight, or where I can go to? Also, have a repro 1887 sling. Anyone have a photo of the proper why of installing? Looks pretty simple, yet I want to make sure it is correct. The rifle must have literally been a wall hanger at some point that someone painted around. and was too lazy to take down. It has an excellent bore and tight action. I plan to shoot proper loads in it. Serial number is also 1884 production.

[browningautorifle]

I have a sling procedure here for you...it should do. Surplusrifle Forum View topic - How to Install an M1887 Sling on a Krag Rifle