Cleaning the black paint off an Ishapore 2A

[kscchtrainer]

Having just picked up an Ishapore Enfield 2A from AIM Surplus I was looking for tips on removing the black paint that was liberally brushed on all the metal parts years ago.

There were multiple suggestions on this or that chemical and proper use for same to strip it so I started looking around this morning to see what was available locally. Reading the instructions of a bunch of them, I came across something that really looked promising.

It's called Motzenbockers "Lift Off" and is designed to remove graffiti from buildings, concrete, metal signs and various other objects. It's citrus oil based, water soluble, biodegradable and not overly toxic. A quart spray bottle costs about 8 bucks American here in Kansas. Figuring I wouldn't go broke trying the stuff, I bought a bottle.

I tried it on the front sight first - sprayed a little, waited and then wiped it off like the directions said. It removed a layer of the paint, and because it contains citrus oil, it had the added benefit of penetrating the layer of caked on cosmolene to get at the paint.

It's not the do-all, end-all of paint removers, but it doesn't appear to be overly aggressive and it will remove the paint with patience and some elbow-grease. It will take a number of cycles of apply, wait and brush with a brass brush plus wipe it all off and start again to completely remove the paint.

After finally getting all the paint off the barrel and knox form, I rinsed the metal with hot water and once that evaporated I applied a liberal coat of oil. The metal appears to have been parkerized and certainly looks a lot better with that ugly black paint gone!

Realizing I'm a newbie here, I mentioned this to Badger in a PM and he suggested I post the info here. Hopefully it will be helpful info.

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