[ARC5] MFP - how to remove?

[Richard Knoppow]

    However formaldehyde is volatile so I suspect there is none left in 
the dried out coating. Its used as a hardener for photographic gelatin 
but none stays in the gelatin after its dried.  I don't know what it is 
MFP lacquer but I also think there was more than one kind. My own 
experience is that paint remover gel will get it off but it takes 
several applications over a long period of time.  For the most part 
there is no good reason to remove it unless moisture is getting under it 
and causing corrosion. If the coating is intact it will continue to 
protect the surfaces. Sometimes one has to put up with things looking ugly.

On 9/25/2016 3:51 PM, Kenneth G. Gordon wrote:
> On 25 Sep 2016 at 12:26, Arden Allen wrote:
>
>>> There is or was a solvent for MFP.  But I've never had any of it.  So I don't know how the MFP
>> reacted to it.  The only source I was able to find only took orders in 55 gallon lots.  And it didn't
>> mention whether using the stuff was hazerdous or not.
>
> Well, I can't see how it would NOT be hazardous...
>
> As I remember it from some years ago when we discussed MFP, its main consituent was
> formaldehyde. I don't remember what the carrier or binder was. Anyway, it is nasty stuff.
>
>> Although late war and later TM 11's often have a warning about removing it from terminals before
>> attempting to repair (solder to) equipment, they don't say how to do it.  .........
>
> The way I was taught to remove it from terminals needing solder was to burn it off, usually
> with the soldering device.
>
>> Ancient MFP is very tough stuff.  Like marine varnish it resists just about
>> everything.  Meaning any strong solvent, like MEK, would damage component
>> materials as well.
>
> Well, in THIS case, the only thing that it is covering which is of concern to me is aluminum.
> Just flat aluminum sheet. No other components, so I am not particulary worried about it. In
> any case, I don't like MEK anyway, so probably won't use that.
>
>>   I suggest you give the equipment a good dusting and then a
>> bath and leave the MFP as is.  When soldering the MFP will burn away so use
>> good ventilation and a fan nearby, the smoke is very irritating.  Like Bob says use
>> mechanical means to remove MFP from terminals and hardware.  Besides, I like
>> the golden appearance of MFP.
>
> Well, in this case, it is badly deteriorated, flaky, large spaces in it and it looks like hell. It it
> was "complete" that would be one thing, but it isn't. I want it gone.
>
> Thanks, folks, for the info.
>
> I'll deal with it.
>
> Ken W7EKB
>
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-- 
Richard Knoppow
1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
WB6KBL