Removing overlay paint without wrecking the finish

[Poboy55]

So here is the deal. I have always wanted a Sig P220. However, they were always WAY out of my price range. One day I walk into the local pawn shop and find a very nice P220 (R I think) for a price I can afford. The catch, it was painted with the name, rank, and service dates of the wildlife and fisheries officer that I assume sold or pawned it. It is not etched or engraved. Just painted on and u can even see where some of it is coming off where the holster must have rubbed against it. I took it to a local smith and hot the impression he was just trying to sell me a cerakote job. I am hoping that someone can recommend a method to remove this without damaging the nitron finish. Any help would be appreciated. I just didn't buy a Sig to put a $70 cerakote on it. Thank you in advance.

Brad G

 

[donr101395]

If it's just regular old paint, acetone should take it off and won't ruin the finish.

 

[FrankT]

I am not sure what type of paint they would have used, if is it baked on or just a duracoat type product. I would try a paint and epoxy remover if the acetone does not work

 

[Idoono]

Try an ultrasonic cleaner. If water does not work use alcohol in it. If that fails then try paint thinner.

Idoono

 

[gunnerxxx]

We use to use oven cleaner to remove lettering from trucks. Just a thought

 

[Seanpcola]

To be safe try Goofoff first. Let it soak. Maybe MEK. You'd be surprised what 91% alcohol will disolve. NOT the 70%. No way to know without knowing what paint they used but I would be surprised if it was baked on.

 

[Poboy55]

Thank you all for the help. I will try acetone first. Since I already have some of that in the shed. I will post back with results.

 

[FrankT]

Well? comeon, you have had time to try it! lol

 

[Poboy55]

Sorry, had to work late last night. Gonna try it out tonight.

 

[Poboy55]

I apologize for the delayed response. Ended up being the goof off that did the best job by the way. U can still kinda see it, but it is way better. I got in touch with Sig and they will refinish the slide for $100.
Probably end up doing that in the long run, but this definitely works for now. Thanks for all the help.