Airbrush removal

[ArmyValker]

I've got a graphic on my tank apparently hired done by the PO and I'm not fond of it. I think it's airbrushed (i know it is) and I don't think it was cleared over top of it. Can I remove it with thinner or something or am I doomed to repaint the whole tank? I don't even wanna change the color.

[junior]

if it aint cleared over it i used to remove truck lettering with easy-off oven cleaner

[DFragn]

Do Not use any kind of "paint stripper/remover" you'll damage your clearcoat or more.

It's unlikely it was cleared over. If it was your best option would be to pull the tank and have it repainted.

If it's a spray or brush worked acrylic it can be removed with "Easy-Off Oven Cleaner" safely.
Spray it on a soft rag and dab it on. Let it sit a few minutes and rub, lather, rub, repeat. It'll come off. It takes a little while though.

If it was a Urethane paint fer-get-about-it. It'll have embedded itself into the clear coat. Again, pull the tank for repainting.

[ArmyValker]

Do Not use any kind of "paint stripper/remover" you'll damage your clearcoat or more.

It's unlikely it was cleared over. If it was your best option would be to pull the tank and have it repainted.

If it's a spray or brush worked acrylic it can be removed with "Easy-Off Oven Cleaner" safely.
Spray it on a soft rag and dab it on. Let it sit a few minutes and rub, lather, rub, repeat. It'll come off. It takes a little while though.

If it was a Urethane paint fer-get-about-it. It'll have embedded itself into the clear coat. Again, pull the tank for repainting.

I'm gonna try this tonite!

[wilmont kid]

What I would try is "buffing" with a rubbing compound.  If you can't do this('cause you may not have the equipment), a body shop could. Still cheaper than a paint job and you're not out much if it don't work. You could hand rub it too. This works for overspray and light paint imperfections. If you use ANY chemical remover, it will screw up the paint underneath. I've tried it all trying to take shortcuts and if you're trying to save the paint underneath, don't use chemicals. If you're close to MN, I'd buff it myself for a Diet Coke. Good luck---

[DFragn]

What I would try is "buffing" with a rubbing compound.  If you can't do this('cause you may not have the equipment), a body shop could. Still cheaper than a paint job and you're not out much if it don't work. You could hand rub it too. This works for overspray and light paint imperfections. If you use ANY chemical remover, it will screw up the paint underneath. I've tried it all trying to take shortcuts and if you're trying to save the paint underneath, don't use chemicals. If you're close to MN, I'd buff it myself for a Diet Coke. Good luck---

I'm sorry, but I feel "rubbing compound would be too abrasive". You risk either thinning the clear coat or going through it. A problem unless your prepping for new paint.
I've done some painting and I feel even "polishing compound" could be too much in inexperienced hands.

Easy-Off has been used for many many years to remove "artwork" by Dealers & the artists themselves. I used it to remove 80% of the acrylic pinstripping & solid artwork I had done to mine by a well known MC artist. And, with no ill effects. I put a couple coats of wax on after and it's shown no problems in 3 years.

Easy-Off is the easiest & safest

[ArmyValker]

Easy Off didn't touch it unfortunately. I guess it's enamel. That's too bad.

[DFragn]

Easy Off didn't touch it unfortunately. I guess it's enamel. That's too bad.

Did you start in the field/middle of it or at the perimeter? It's not a fast process, but you'll see quicker results at the edges if it's going to work. It can take repeated dabs/soakings while letting it sit a few minutes before rubbing. Even an enamel should come off. I would estimate an 8" x !2" area, where the stock paint is completely covered, could take 3-5 hours to get it off. Maybe more.
It's probably worth another try if you want.
If you start to see the edges coming off you'll know it's going to work. You might have to spread the work out over a few days. This method is by no means effortless and is time consuming, especially on a solid large coverage area.

[aslondon]

Which easy off did you use?  The only one that works is the original formula!  The others won't touch it

Al
VRCC # 4321

[ArmyValker]

Which easy off did you use?  The only one that works is the original formula!  The others won't touch it

Al
VRCC # 4321

That may be the problem. I think I used something other than the original. I left it set overnight (I know) and it didn't do jack.

[ArmyValker]

Easy Off didn't touch it unfortunately. I guess it's enamel. That's too bad.

Did you start in the field/middle of it or at the perimeter? It's not a fast process, but you'll see quicker results at the edges if it's going to work. It can take repeated dabs/soakings while letting it sit a few minutes before rubbing. Even an enamel should come off. I would estimate an 8" x !2" area, where the stock paint is completely covered, could take 3-5 hours to get it off. Maybe more.
It's probably worth another try if you want.
If you start to see the edges coming off you'll know it's going to work. You might have to spread the work out over a few days. This method is by no means effortless and is time consuming, especially on a solid large coverage area.

I wet the entire area, then soaked a rag in easy off and layed it on top, it stayed soaked constantly all night. I probably went out once an hour and checked progress/wiped.

[DFragn]

I wet the entire area, then soaked a rag in easy off and layed it on top, it stayed soaked constantly all night. I probably went out once an hour and checked progress/wiped.

You should have seen some results in that case.
As mentioned above. Was it the Original Easy-Off formula?
If it was then yeah you may be doomed. You could try the rubbing compound route mentioned, but be very careful. You may not need to worry if you go too far with it. Because, you may just end up wet sanding for new paint anyway.

It wouldn't be impossible, if need be, to re-paint the tank yourself. A few of us painting rookies have had excellent results with ColorRite rattle cans.

I painted my fairing & pods myself this way. And, Davred (c tech board thread) recently re-painted his I/S fairing.