Removing paint from plastic

[User]

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Wet and dry followed by some polishing with rouge (is that the correct name for the polish?).

Edit:- Jeweller's rouge

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Firstly, identify the type of plastic. Somewhere on the "lens" it will have it stamped. PP or ABS or Lexan or whatever.

Then decide on a type of paint remover and either:
a) Research online whether that type of paint remover will affect that type of plastic or
b) find a similar piece of scrap plastic and test various paint removing products on it.

 

[classic33]

Why not use a clear orange acrylic paint on top of the silver?

Cif if you want to remove the silver, apply and leave to dry in, then wash off.

 

[captain nemo1701]

[QUOTE 4695104, member: 45"]Not cycle related, but involves 2 wheels and you're a resourceful bunch:

I have motorcycle panniers with a clear plastic lens on each, like that covering your car lights. The lenses came sprayed silver on the inside. I want to fit indicator LEDs behind the lenses so need to get the paint off.

Any advice on how to do this without melting the plastic?[/QUOTE]

Try this stuff. It's designed to get paint off plastic models without damaging the plastic itself. However, may depend on the type of plastic as models are usually polystyrene or vinyl.

http://www.anticsonline.co.uk/1320_1_1255575.html

 

[Pat "5mph"]

If the paint is water based try hot water and washing up liquid, in conjunction with a medium bristle brush like a shoe polishing brush or with a soft kitchen scourer, gently.
If the paint is oil based, try white spirit or turpentine, apply with a paint brush, leave a bit, gently wipe with soft scourer, repeat as needed, wash off with soapy water.
Test the white spirit/turpentine first on an inconspicuous bit of plastic, just in case.

 

[Hover Fly]

Brake fluid can be pretty effective, often used by railway modellers.

 

[marknotgeorge]

Does the manufacturer make indicators? DIY lights wouldn't be E-mark certified, so would fall foul of Construction & Use regulations.

Then again, who's gonna know?

 

[Kestevan]

Try a pressure washer up close, it will often peel off the paint from plastic surfaces with no damage.

Failing that you can try nail polish remover, but check it doesn't attack the plastic too.

 

[classic33]

Does the manufacturer make indicators? DIY lights wouldn't be E-mark certified, so would fall foul of Construction & Use regulations.

Then again, who's gonna know?

Red reflectors available, being rearward facing.