M16 Paint removal...any suggetions?

[GaryC]

Hello,
My Great Aunt just gave me an M16 helmet that my Great Uncle brought back in WW2 from Germany. Unfortunatley one of my cousins at one time had painted it black. Spray paint it looks like. It has come off in large areas to reveal the original TAN paint underneath. Is there any way to remove the new paint? Ive seen one for sale that has been done this way but I dont know exactly what to use. Any help greatly appreciated. It is marked E.T.64
Thanks

[Frentebro]

Working very carefully with acetone to dampen a soft cotton cloth should do it. However, wear a respirator with the proper filters, & nitrile gloves, & do it outdoors

[Daniel Murphy]

Gary,
I have had pretty good luck with wet steel wool or SOS pads to take off spray paint. If it is old lead paint this will not work however,

Daniel Murphy

[Shenkursk]

OK Gary - looks like you are the guinea pig (or rather your helmet is.) A favor, please: After you pick the method that sounds least likely to hurt the paint underneath, take a 'before' shot. When you finish, an 'after'. I'm sure we will all be interested to see the results of your efforts, and wish you good luck.

Some folks have done this before with a fair degree of success, so I know it can be done!

No matter what you choose, best to start small in an unobtrusive area to test your method before you have both fists stuck in the tar baby. Paint naturally wants to operate one layer at a time, so at least you have that in your favor.

Good luck!!

[atcase]

Hi Gary,

why do you think that the TAN paint finish is the origonal finish ??
Ashley

[Brodie]

Try balistol and Dubbel O
and slowly rubbit of in smal cirkels

its a painstaking progres but it works

[Newlyn]

I would go the wire wool route. You can obtain very fine grades, combined with a lubricant, (Soapy water), and take your time.