removing Hammerite

[samk]

Now I'm surfing 80-90 at work!

The previous owner of my van has painted the interior kitechen units in silver hammerite. I'd like to remove this and return them to their original, plastic (i think) wood effect veneer.

My question is this - has anyone attempted this before? I'm nervous of using conventional nitromors style paint stripper as it could melt the veneer beneath.

thanks!

[Mr Bean]

Now I'm surfing 80-90 at work!

The previous owner of my van has painted the interior kitechen units in silver hammerite. I'd like to remove this and return them to their original, plastic (i think) wood effect veneer.

My question is this - has anyone attempted this before? I'm nervous of using conventional nitromors style paint stripper as it could melt the veneer beneath.

thanks!

If it was Smoothrite then you would find that petrol would remove it (in my experience) however I use Hamerit on account of its resistance to most solvents. Best bet is to try out on a out of sight part or maybe a bit which didn't get painted. A good (although probably not very HSE approved method) is to make up a 50/50 mix of Nitromores (clear) and Methanol based model aircraft fuel. This softens the paint but prevents it from sticking back again when the Nitromoors evapourate. The Methanol slows the evapouation while the castor based oil stops it sticking. Maybe just a teaspoon of castor oil in nitomoors will acheive the same end. Don't blame me if it all goes boobies up though.
Cheers
Wolfie - Hic

[kevtherev]

Agreed....nitromorse

but be very careful

[bigherb]

Could try brake fluid I use it to strip paint off plastic models.

[weerickyni]

abit wierd this but i was goin to paint my unit silver too, could you post a pic of yours please so i could get an idea??

[samk]

Hi All,

Thanks for the tips - looks like i'll have to tread very VERY carefully!! like the idea of mixing nitromorse to slow down the process and love the idea of trying out on a hidden section that hasn't been painted - why didn't i think of this?! thats why I'm slowly becoming addicted to this forum.



Weericki, these are the only photos I have at the mo - these were taken when i went to view it a couple of months ago so aren't great but you'll get an idea of what it's like. In theory I like the silver but it's looking a bit tatty already and creates a bit of a cold look. I guess it's just personal preference and i'm a bit of an original condition kinda person.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32435214@N02/3031917801/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32435214@N02/3046334547/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[kevtherev]

jeez now I can see why... best of luck

[Mocki]

looks like the price was right tho......

[samk]

fingers crossed it was the right price!

got the asking price down a bit. Had a broken drive shaft (wasn't the gear box after all) and then had full engine service while that was being sorted out. overall spend so far is still less than £2500 and my mechanic thinks its a pretty solid van. I just need to make the roof watertight now! those Autohomes pop tops were good in theory...

[weerickyni]

thanks for that mate! might still do it! doors will be differnt colour though!! good luck!

[campervankatie]

The entire hallway woodwork (up + downstairs) of my house was painted in silver hammerite. I used nitromorse to remove it but the job was a bitch and a half. Have you considered covering the offending silver with vinyle sticky back stuff now available in lots of cool designs or painting a more tasteful colour? No offence to the would be silver painter who posted earlier.
Katie