Painted rack numbers

[JOHN42768]

Looking for some help. I just obtained a nicely cartouched correct stock for a BLR that I own. I have no regrets in removing the painted rack numbers as the stock is not original to the carbine. The overall finish is still good, just needs a little cleaning. How do I remove the paint without having to refinish the whole stock? I know carefully. Thanks, John

Information

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[USGI]

I was able to remove rack numbers from the pistol grip on an SA carbine stock by masking off the area to be stripped. I got the remaining paint flecks out of the end grain using a "water pic" and by picking at them with a sewing needle. I restained it, and after oiling it looked pretty good. It came out a little darker than I'd hoped - Charlie (Painter777) gave me a B+ on it! - Bob

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[INLAND44]

You'll most likely have to do some staining and oiling as USGI did, but most painted rack numbers are not USGI, so they need to go.

[Johnny Peppers]

I would use something like lacquer thinner rather than paint stripper. The lacquer thinner works slower, and is not as aggressive as paint stripper. You may not have to stain if you go slowly.

[DaveHH]

Lacquer thinner will usually raise and soften paint that can be scraped off. It is cheap and has lots of other uses as well. A part cleaned in LT will be very clean when done.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

I like naptha over lacquer thinner.
Both are fractions of petroleum. Because they are distillation fractions they are all 100% volatile. How fast they evaporate will differ, which in turn will effect the flash point: -40 C for naptha and 0 C for mineral spirits. Mineral spirits evaporates slower than naptha. "Paint thinner" could be naptha or mineral spirits. Bottom line naptha evaporates faster and is better in cold or damp areas. Don't smoke!!!!!

Jim

Lacquer thinner will usually raise and soften paint that can be scraped off. It is cheap and has lots of other uses as well. A part cleaned in LT will be very clean when done.

[painter777]

Some of these painted on rack numbers are LEAD BASED.
I tested the paint from a Korean returned stock, that had a label on it.
The LEAD was on the Pistol Grip.
To pull Lead, you will need a hot stripper.
Try easy first...... but prepare yourself for the worse.
ZAR Paint and Varnish Stripper is hard to beat.
Very hot, take proper pre-cautions.

Charlie-painter777

[JOHN42768]

Charlie, That one makes my markings look like a beauty contest winner. They must have gotten a real good buy on paint. Thanks, John

[Mike Haas]

Looking for some help. I just obtained a nicely cartouched correct stock for a BLR that I own. I have no regrets in removing the painted rack numbers as the stock is not original to the carbine. The overall finish is still good, just needs a little cleaning. How do I remove the paint without having to refinish the whole stock? I know carefully. Thanks, John

This is likely to stir up some grief for me but so be it!! ..As long as the "Rack numbers/markings" are painted OVER the original linseed oil finish; it's easily removed with a product called "Greased Lightening". Available at most grocery stores/WalMart..ete)

The paint doesn't penetrate thru the linseed oil into the wood. It "lays" on top of the linseed oil base. Greased Lightening strips it all off when applied with multiple coats and paper towels. Don't spare on the GL and put plenty of rags/paper under the area your working in to catch the runoff. A one (1) Qt spray bottle will easily do 4/5 Carbine stocks. Compressed air and a tooth Brush gets the nooks & crannies.

Not once have I ever found a need for a paint stripper

Once clean to your satisfaction just use BLO/LO in the approppriate manner. I've never found the need for sandpaper but if you do my position is "it's your stock"

[JOHN42768]

Mike, Thanks for the input. Worth a try before more harsher methods need be applied. John