JASCO PAINT REMOVER

paint remover

A liquid solvent applied to dry paint to soften it for removal by scraping or brushing.
Paint stripper, or paint remover, is the generic name given to solvent mixtures designed to remove paint and other finishes and also to clean the underlying surface. The principal active ingredient is usually dichloromethane.
A chemical that softens old paint or varnish and permits it to be easily scraped off. Also called “stripper.”

jasco

Joint Assault Signal Company (USA)

Everything Old Is New Again

Last week I found a few old pairs of motorcycle goggles at a military surplus store. The original black enamel was just gross, and the cotton straps and trim smelled like an old trunk. I think they where originally from WWII. They seemed like a good place to start for a slightly less ambitious goggle project so I bought a couple of the less beat up ones and took them home.

Now to refinish them. I cut off the old trim and saved it for dimensions. Some careful work with a small screwdriver bent the lens tabs back and I was able to remove the glass. After the lenses and trim where removed I could go to town on the finish. I started with steel wool, but it quickly became clear that I wasn’t going to be able to get everything off. After trying fingernail polish remover, I went down to the hardware store and bought some Jasco paint stripper. Nasty stuff, but it melted the old enamel off with a little scrubbing and revealed the beautiful brass underneath.

After a little sanding with steel wool and chrome polish, I applied a light coat of lacquer to help the finish stay put. I think two coats is the minimum, since the leatherwork requires a lot of handling and the finish will wear prematurely (see the edges of previous goggle project.)

The leather work was pretty straight forward, just use the old strap for dimensions, cut to size, and sew in place.

Much nicer don’t you think?

Feed board after paint removal and derusting

I used Jasco Premium Paint and Epoxy Remover to remove what was left of the original paint. Then I removed the rust using Evapo-Rust. I spread thick paper towels, two layers thick, on the board and ladeled Evapo-Rust onto it until it was sopping wet. Then I wrapped the towel-covered board in plastic wrap. Eight hours later, all of the rust had migrated into the towels. I sponged off the residual Evapo-Rust and sprayed on some WD-40. Then I sanded the board, first with fine emory cloth and then with 600-grit waterproof sandpaper.