Every once in the while someone asks how to remove lettering prior to repainting. I have been using Polly Scale ELO with OK results. So far it has been safe for the base paint but leaves a film that usually requires an over spray of the base color to get rid of.
In at least one of the prior threads someone, I don't recall who, suggested lacquer thinner. I discounted it thinking it would remove the base paint as well.
This time I decided to try it and if it took off the base paint I would just paint over it.
Instead it removed the lettering quickly and didn't touch the base paint saving me much time in repainting.
The lettering on this Lionel NYC 2-8-2 is way oversize and I decided it had to go:
This is the result after about 15 minutes work. The Q-tip was dampened with lacquer thinner to remove the haze. I included it in the photo to show no indication of black paint. I used a short stiff natural bristle brush to remove the bulk of the white paint.
So Thank You to whoever offered this tip.
For the record this is a Korean built engine from 1999. No guarantees other paint will be as tolerant.
Pete
