stripping shellac/lacquer...?

[WillyChang]

ok guys, here's a curly one.

Anyone know how to strip shellac or lacquer off plastic?

Have had this 'challenge' for a few yrs now... a 58050 where some PO has thoughtfully overcoated THE WHOLE CHASSIS (sans lexan body) in the lacquer, electronics and all.

Its a clear sprayed paint, slightly yellowing now. Slightly flaking away at some areas, but stubbornly stuck on the rest.

Usually shellac is dissolved in alcohol but tried some methylated spirits and it ain't budging.

[irenL]

You can use Acetone for the metal parts.. I used it for strip 16yrs old automotive paint on metal body panels. Strips even clear coat, dries very fast. I also use it to strip off the lacquer coating applied to most if not all automotive computer board (for soldering on an e-prom socket)

But here's the catch: acetone is very agressive, it'll thin ABS plastic as well.

as for the coating on the chassis tub... suggest you keep sanding. Most of the automotive paint chemicals used to thin clearcoat are too strong for plastic.