Stripping Lacquer?

[Dan Schultz]

The top of stripping lacquer has been a frequent topic on this forum. I can offer the following information but you might also try the 'search' function:

- SOME lacquers will come off simply with very hot water.
- MOST lacquers will come off using a product called 'Aircraft Stripper' that's available in many auto parts stores.
- A FEWLacquers won't respond to the two treatments noted above and will PROBABLY require the use of caustics. Typical of these lacquers is the 'orange-ish' or dark lacquers that were used in the Cleveland and Eastlake factories. I've gotten good results using 'Easy-Off' oven cleaner. Spray it on... leave it for a couple of minutes... and hose it off with hot water. Two or three treatments might be required.

IN ALL CASES.... do not do any major soldering or disassembly work that requires a torch before removing lacquer. You'll end up spending a lot of time buffing those areas to remove stubborn coatings.