[R-390] Front Panel Paint Removal

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

Jerry Kincade wrote:

> Looks like I've got the world's toughest paint on this Imperial/Teledyne
> front panel. Three different types/brands of paint stripper, the last
> (marine epoxy stripper) left on for 36 hours with the final result only a
> mild discoloration of the original grey. Didn't even soften it. I've done
> several others without this problem, don't know what they used for paint but
> it is *good* stuff. Thought of chemical dip-stripping, but would like to
> preserve the original paint/lettering on the rear of the panel.
>
> At this point I'm leaning toward possibly some type of bead or soda
> blasting. Does anyone know if this has been successfully done without
> rounding off the edges of the lettering? If so, is there a small job shop I
> should know about that I can ship this thing to? Local sandblast shops
> around here just shrug their shoulders and want to know if I have a bridge I
> need done. Last resort, I'll take it down to the local powder coat shop, and
> I'm sure they would do a beautiful job, but that would of course wipe out
> the lettering on the rear of the panel.

Jerry -

My dad has worked in sandblasting for many decades as a shape-carver. If you can
find a small granite/monument shop they'd be more likely to take a one-piece
job. They have different levels of abrasive to use as well. Still, I'd caution
you against using this route as it will likely round off your letters and leave
you with a fairly rough panel. Cabinets or plain panels, sure - you can always
prime/sand/paint them and fill the mild pitting from the abrasive. But
stamped/engraved letters are a whole different ball-o-wax. I've never had
anything bead-blasted, but it sounds like a safer bet to me. I've heard of
people burning paint off, but this sounds like a good way to warp a panel or get
some really bad fumes into your system.

Nice to know the Teledyne's have such tough paint. Maybe that explains why mine
still looks so good? Not being a 'depot dawg' there has to be SOME
explanation...

Good luck with it, Jerry -

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ