How do you strip the paint from painted bakelite and not eat the bakelite?

All the Best,

Bill

Bill

If you are sure it's bakelite almost any paint remover can be used. Very few chemicals have an effect on bakelite. Try it under the radio first. Plastic isn't the same as bakelite and damages easily.

Norm

:How do you strip the paint from painted bakelite and not eat the bakelite?
:
:All the Best,
:
:Bill
:

:Bill
:
: If you are sure it's bakelite almost any paint remover can be used. Very few chemicals have an effect on bakelite. Try it under the radio first. Plastic isn't the same as bakelite and damages easily.
:
:Norm
:
::How do you strip the paint from painted bakelite and not eat the bakelite?
::
::All the Best,
::
::Bill
::
:
:
Thanks, Norm.
I think I will still stay clear of the stuff that takes grafitti from brick. It is nice to know I don't have to baby it, though, like plastic.

All the Best,

Bill

Just sand it smooth 125, 200, use a primer, sand more 400, 600, then paint.

Before you sand it... try removing.

If the paint that is on there is original
( usually white) ...then it's pretty easy to remove. And if so the Bakelite under that paint will have been beautifully preserved and glossy too.

For "original" white paint removal you can use Easy-Off lemon scented ( Blue Can) oven cleaner.

It is nice stuff and will easily take off ORIGINAL paint from back in the 30s-40s.

After spraying it on, I let it sit 15-20 mins then scrape it off in the kitchen sink with a plastic scraper. ( metal may scratch)
I let the water run over it as I scrape it off.. I also use a scruffy plastic pot scrubber thingie.
Works nicely.

:Before you sand it... try removing.
:
:If the paint that is on there is original
: ( usually white) ...then it's pretty easy to remove. And if so the Bakelite under that paint will have been beautifully preserved and glossy too.
:
:For "original" white paint removal you can use Easy-Off lemon scented ( Blue Can) oven cleaner.
:
:It is nice stuff and will easily take off ORIGINAL paint from back in the 30s-40s.
:
:After spraying it on, I let it sit 15-20 mins then scrape it off in the kitchen sink with a plastic scraper. ( metal may scratch)
:I let the water run over it as I scrape it off.. I also use a scruffy plastic pot scrubber thingie.
:Works nicely.
:
:
Hi Peter,
Thanks! I will give it a try.
The paint is ugly original battle ship grey. Nicks and chips haven't improved it. I assume that E-Z Off will work with that, too.

Best Regards,

Bill

Good luck... It may work fine... especially if it's the older type of paint.

I noticed that EZ-Off had a much harder time with the newer-type paints like Rusteoleum's "Fusion".

When all else fails.. ( For Bakelite only not plastic) or for wood cabinets)) you can mix 50/50 Acetone & lacquer thinner and apply it with a 00 steel wool pad.
The paint or other-finishes like lacquer.... will literally dissolve away.

I love using this mixture when stripping the finish off old wood radio cabinets... no sanding.. goes right down to the wood like it was "water" and very fast too.

:Good luck... It may work fine... especially if it's the older type of paint.
:
:I noticed that EZ-Off had a much harder time with the newer-type paints like Rusteoleum's "Fusion".
:
:When all else fails.. ( For Bakelite only not plastic) or for wood cabinets)) you can mix 50/50 Acetone & lacquer thinner and apply it with a 00 steel wool pad.
:The paint or other-finishes like lacquer.... will literally dissolve away.
:
:I love using this mixture when stripping the finish off old wood radio cabinets... no sanding.. goes right down to the wood like it was "water" and very fast too.
:
:
:
I would be worried that if that stuff soaks tru the veneer that it would unglue it?

:Good luck... It may work fine... especially if it's the older type of paint.
:
:I noticed that EZ-Off had a much harder time with the newer-type paints like Rusteoleum's "Fusion".
:
:When all else fails.. ( For Bakelite only not plastic) or for wood cabinets)) you can mix 50/50 Acetone & lacquer thinner and apply it with a 00 steel wool pad.
:The paint or other-finishes like lacquer.... will literally dissolve away.
:
:I love using this mixture when stripping the finish off old wood radio cabinets... no sanding.. goes right down to the wood like it was "water" and very fast too.
:
:
:
I would be worried that if that stuff soaks tru the veneer that it would unglue it?

:I would be worried that if that stuff soaks tru the veneer that it would unglue it?
:

Evaporates MUCH too quickly to ever worry about that... lol

::I would be worried that if that stuff soaks tru the veneer that it would unglue it?
::
:
:Evaporates MUCH too quickly to ever worry about that... lol
:
Hi Peter,
How do you keep the stuff from evaporating after mixing?

Best Regards,
Bill

:::I would be worried that if that stuff soaks tru the veneer that it would unglue it?
:::
::
::Evaporates MUCH too quickly to ever worry about that... lol
::
:Hi Peter,
: How do you keep the stuff from evaporating after mixing?
:
:Best Regards,
:Bill
:

You have to work quickly.
I mix about 3 oz of each in a low wide container that is easy access for fast dipping.

Then I dip in a 00-steel wool pad and saturate the pad. Then flood it onto the area I'm stripping off.
The old finish will start to melt and/or simply wash-off or drip away.
It will begin to be absorbed into the steel wool pad which is good. So all you have to do is to keep rinsing the pad in the mix to keep it fresh.

Work quickly. You'll be amazed as it simply washes or rinses the old finish right off.

Depending on how large the area ....you may need to keep mixing more liquid as you go as you'll use it up quite quickly.

::::I would be worried that if that stuff soaks tru the veneer that it would unglue it?
::::
:::
:::Evaporates MUCH too quickly to ever worry about that... lol
:::
::Hi Peter,
:: How do you keep the stuff from evaporating after mixing?
::
::Best Regards,
::Bill
::
:
:You have to work quickly.
:I mix about 3 oz of each in a low wide container that is easy access for fast dipping.
:
:Then I dip in a 00-steel wool pad and saturate the pad. Then flood it onto the area I'm stripping off.
:The old finish will start to melt and/or simply wash-off or drip away.
:It will begin to be absorbed into the steel wool pad which is good. So all you have to do is to keep rinsing the pad in the mix to keep it fresh.
:
:Work quickly. You'll be amazed as it simply washes or rinses the old finish right off.
:
:Depending on how large the area ....you may need to keep mixing more liquid as you go as you'll use it up quite quickly.
:
I have a REALLY nice Bakelite Stromberg Carlson. Most of the white paint was already gone so I carefully chipped away the rest. It looks perfect for display, but still has some paint under, and at the ends, of the louvers. I've tried some of the suggestions, (except EZ off), and I'm still having a very hard time removing the paint because of the narrow areas. What, or which, of the examples, would you suggest.
Terry

:I have a REALLY nice Bakelite Stromberg Carlson. Most of the white paint was already gone so I carefully chipped away the rest. It looks perfect for display, but still has some paint under, and at the ends, of the louvers. I've tried some of the suggestions, (except EZ off), and I'm still having a very hard time removing the paint because of the narrow areas. What, or which, of the examples, would you suggest.
:Terry

Either one Terry.
The EZ off works for sure but will need a little help scraping out in tight corners.

The Acetone/Lacquer thinner trick is faster... may still need a little assist from a tooth-brush or tooth pick in tight corners.

Try this on the next wood cabinet too.. you'll thank me for how fast it goes.

::I have a REALLY nice Bakelite Stromberg Carlson. Most of the white paint was already gone so I carefully chipped away the rest. It looks perfect for display, but still has some paint under, and at the ends, of the louvers. I've tried some of the suggestions, (except EZ off), and I'm still having a very hard time removing the paint because of the narrow areas. What, or which, of the examples, would you suggest.
::Terry
:

:Either one Terry.
:The EZ off works for sure but will need a little help scraping out in tight corners.
:
:The Acetone/Lacquer thinner trick is faster... may still need a little assist from a tooth-brush or tooth pick in tight corners.
:
:Try this on the next wood cabinet too.. you'll thank me for how fast it goes.
:
Cool. I think I've got some EZ Off somewhere under the sink. Unless I threw it out during the last cleaning purge. I have lots of Acetone because I use it all the time. If the EZ Off doesn't work I'll get some lacquer thinner from my landlord.
Things are crazy around here. I've had over a year ripped out of my life by physical problems, and I'm ripping it back-in spades, so I'm really busy.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Terry

Just a precaution safety note here: Remember, most of these original paint jobs probably were made from LEAD based paint. Try to use personal safety precautions, especially when sanding and disposing of the paint.

:Just a precaution safety note here: Remember, most of these original paint jobs probably were made from LEAD based paint. Try to use personal safety precautions, especially when sanding and disposing of the paint.
:
Although I certainly appreciate this warning, to me it's like the asbestos debate that regularly occurs here. I don't think that a few flecks of paint are going to pose a health hazard. I'm sure all of us have been exposed to much more dangerous chemicals. The older members might remember when contact cleaner had tetrahedral.

:::I have a REALLY nice Bakelite Stromberg Carlson. Most of the white paint was already gone so I carefully chipped away the rest. It looks perfect for display, but still has some paint under, and at the ends, of the louvers. I've tried some of the suggestions, (except EZ off), and I'm still having a very hard time removing the paint because of the narrow areas. What, or which, of the examples, would you suggest.
:::Terry
::
:
::Either one Terry.
::The EZ off works for sure but will need a little help scraping out in tight corners.
::
::The Acetone/Lacquer thinner trick is faster... may still need a little assist from a tooth-brush or tooth pick in tight corners.
::
::Try this on the next wood cabinet too.. you'll thank me for how fast it goes.
::
:Cool. I think I've got some EZ Off somewhere under the sink. Unless I threw it out during the last cleaning purge. I have lots of Acetone because I use it all the time. If the EZ Off doesn't work I'll get some lacquer thinner from my landlord.
:Things are crazy around here. I've had over a year ripped out of my life by physical problems, and I'm ripping it back-in spades, so I'm really busy.
:Thanks for the suggestions.
:Terry
:
Nice seeing you back, Terry.
All the Best,
Bill Grimm

::::I have a REALLY nice Bakelite Stromberg Carlson. Most of the white paint was already gone so I carefully chipped away the rest. It looks perfect for display, but still has some paint under, and at the ends, of the louvers. I've tried some of the suggestions, (except EZ off), and I'm still having a very hard time removing the paint because of the narrow areas. What, or which, of the examples, would you suggest.
::::Terry
:::
::
:::Either one Terry.
:::The EZ off works for sure but will need a little help scraping out in tight corners.
:::
:::The Acetone/Lacquer thinner trick is faster... may still need a little assist from a tooth-brush or tooth pick in tight corners.
:::
:::Try this on the next wood cabinet too.. you'll thank me for how fast it goes.
:::
::Cool. I think I've got some EZ Off somewhere under the sink. Unless I threw it out during the last cleaning purge. I have lots of Acetone because I use it all the time. If the EZ Off doesn't work I'll get some lacquer thinner from my landlord.
::Things are crazy around here. I've had over a year ripped out of my life by physical problems, and I'm ripping it back-in spades, so I'm really busy.
::Thanks for the suggestions.
::Terry
::
:Nice seeing you back, Terry.
:All the Best,
:Bill Grimm
:
Thanks Bill. As some of you know, this has been a very bad year. Crippling foot pain, broken bone, wrong prescription resulting in overdose of morphine, hospital stay and concussion. I was beginning to feel like Job. However, like Job I've bounced back better than ever. Some of you have given me personal support. You know who you are.
Thanks.
terry

:Before you sand it... try removing.
:
:If the paint that is on there is original
: ( usually white) ...then it's pretty easy to remove. And if so the Bakelite under that paint will have been beautifully preserved and glossy too.
:
:For "original" white paint removal you can use Easy-Off lemon scented ( Blue Can) oven cleaner.
:
:It is nice stuff and will easily take off ORIGINAL paint from back in the 30s-40s.
:
:After spraying it on, I let it sit 15-20 mins then scrape it off in the kitchen sink with a plastic scraper. ( metal may scratch)
:I let the water run over it as I scrape it off.. I also use a scruffy plastic pot scrubber thingie.
:Works nicely.
:
:
Hi Peter,
I tried it out this morning. It was more work thatn I thought, but it did the trick.
First off, I didn't use the lemon scented, but got the yellow can version. I don't know if that would make a difference.
The first application was a disappointment. It seemed to only take off the finish.
After that, I did each of the five surfaces in turn giving 20 minutes on each. It seemed to go smoothly, scraping with water and a plastic scraper.
The main problem was the wife bitching about lead paint. You couldn't help that.
I finished off with commet and Bon-Ami and am quite happy with the results.
It will still need a little work with a tooth pic, but that is OK.

I suspect the battle ship grey is tougher than the white. I have a suspicion that Zenith got this stuff cheap from the Navy. Barnicles would even have problems with this stuff.

Thanks for the tip. Now I think I will clean the oven. I have enough left.

All the Best,

Bill Grimm

Hi Bill:
I'm glad you got it done.
The Yellow can is less pleasant to work with but seems to work too. I think the blue can is not as toxic.
You may be right about the Grey being tougher than the regular "factory white." I don't think I've ever seen a grey-painted Zenith
When I tried Ez-Off on Rustoleum's "Fusion" paint, it had no effect at all. But that's where the 50/50 Acetone/Lacquer thinner really did the job for me.

Just make sure it's really bakelite. I have two Zenith 7H820 AM-FM table radios. The unpainted one is brown bakelite, but the painted white one has a plastic cabinet - not bakelite. For some reason they didn't just take the brown bakelite cabinet and paint that to make a white radio, but they manufactured one out of black plastic and then painted it. Maybe the plastic was cheaper by 1948 and since it was painted nobody would notice it wasn't bakelite. Plus, white plastic must have been expensive enough that it was worth making it out of black plastic and then painting it. BTW, the white model cost $2 more when new than the brown bakelite radio. The bakelite Zenith is much more attractive, IMHO.

Al

:Just make sure it's really bakelite. I have two Zenith 7H820 AM-FM table radios. The unpainted one is brown bakelite, but the painted white one has a plastic cabinet - not bakelite. For some reason they didn't just take the brown bakelite cabinet and paint that to make a white radio, but they manufactured one out of black plastic and then painted it. Maybe the plastic was cheaper by 1948 and since it was painted nobody would notice it wasn't bakelite. Plus, white plastic must have been expensive enough that it was worth making it out of black plastic and then painting it. BTW, the white model cost $2 more when new than the brown bakelite radio. The bakelite Zenith is much more attractive, IMHO.
:
:Al
:
Yes I have to agree, bakelite is really nice finnish with those swirls, however, I was working on a Travler 502 and had recapped and cleaned the chassis and works great, the bakelite cabinet was perfect, had washed it and buffed with some rubbing compound,did I mention the cabinet was perfect, well being the MR I drop things as I went to put it all back together on the cement floor she goes and smashed the cabinet in pieces, so now I stick to wooded radios, much tougher, lol!!!!

:Yes I have to agree, bakelite is really nice finnish with those swirls, however, I was working on a Travler 502 and had recapped and cleaned the chassis and works great, the bakelite cabinet was perfect, had washed it and buffed with some rubbing compound,did I mention the cabinet was perfect, well being the MR I drop things as I went to put it all back together on the cement floor she goes and smashed the cabinet in pieces, so now I stick to wooded radios, much tougher, lol!!!!
:

How about the guy whose uncle slipped in the tub and died.... so to be safe he never takes a bath.

:Just make sure it's really bakelite. I have two Zenith 7H820 AM-FM table radios. The unpainted one is brown bakelite, but the painted white one has a plastic cabinet - not bakelite. For some reason they didn't just take the brown bakelite cabinet and paint that to make a white radio, but they manufactured one out of black plastic and then painted it. Maybe the plastic was cheaper by 1948 and since it was painted nobody would notice it wasn't bakelite. Plus, white plastic must have been expensive enough that it was worth making it out of black plastic and then painting it. BTW, the white model cost $2 more when new than the brown bakelite radio. The bakelite Zenith is much more attractive, IMHO.
:
:Al
:
Hi Al,
Nice point. This is a real bakelite cabinet, H723Z2.

Best Regards,

Bill

::Just make sure it's really bakelite. I have two Zenith 7H820 AM-FM table radios. The unpainted one is brown bakelite, but the painted white one has a plastic cabinet - not bakelite. For some reason they didn't just take the brown bakelite cabinet and paint that to make a white radio, but they manufactured one out of black plastic and then painted it. Maybe the plastic was cheaper by 1948 and since it was painted nobody would notice it wasn't bakelite. Plus, white plastic must have been expensive enough that it was worth making it out of black plastic and then painting it. BTW, the white model cost $2 more when new than the brown bakelite radio. The bakelite Zenith is much more attractive, IMHO.
::
::Al
::
:Hi Al,
: Nice point. This is a real bakelite cabinet, H723Z2.
:
:Best Regards,
:
:Bill
:
The thing model guys use on plastic is brake fluid. It takes paint off but leaves plastic alone.