Windshield Paint removal

[Clark]

Just before the aircraft restoration I have acquired, went into storage it was repainted and was in process of being reassembled when damaged in a large thunderstorm. The windshield has some paint over spray on it. I am looking for ideas on how to remove the "over spray" while protecting the windshield. It is in good condition, no crazing, scratches or cracks and still flexible. So I am interested in preserving it. It's for a 1940 BL 65 with a "blown" windshield.

[Ragwing nut]

automotive paint polishing compound

[Guest]

I have used lacquer thinner.

If you try it do it on a test spot first.

[sully]

Stitts C-2210 is what I have used with great success.

Sully

[M Towsley]

Not sure what paint is on there but I have had luck with Naptha, (lighter fluid). I have never had it attack any plastics, but check a small area.

Use good quality microfiber towels, not Harbor Freight, etc. Good luck!

[Guest]

I recall the lacquer thinner has a number of things in it like methyl, acetone, toluene, ketone or MEK. So it appears to me to be a potpourri of harmful liquids.

Not sure which ones are the effective ones, maybe all, perhaps any single one of them would work.

I have a can of VM&P Naptha that I use with contact cement and so on. Never tried it on the windows nut will soon, the Aeronca has some over spray.

VM&P is Varnish Maker's & Painter's not sure how different that is from what you have Marty.

[M Towsley]

David, sounds like the same stuff I use. There is another Naptha but it seems to have an oily film. The Naptha in the photos is the one I use and is the same as lighter fluid.

[Clark]

Thanks to all of you. Clark

[Scott]

If its dope or a non urethane enamel mineral spirits or varsol might work, but laquer thinner is very risky. I have found Mothers magwheel polish works very well on plexiglass. It's less abrasive than compounds but cleans the surface very well

[astjp2]

Any progress?

[Clark]

No progress yet. I tried a bit of thinner earlier today but that didn't really show any significant change, although it did seem to pick up some dirt. I've obtained some Naptha and it is picking it up a little bit. But as I've thought about the ideas offered and the fact that the paint has been on there almost 35 years I'm not expecting much out of the Naptha, but also think that as it soaks in a bit it might lift a little off at a time. I'm thinking the key is going to be patience and the use of the auto compound or magwheel polishers. I'll work on it more this evening.

[Scott]

One other thought comes to mind Clark. When I remove scratches I use 400 grit wet paper to remove the scratch, then 1500 grit wet paper. From 1500 I go straight to the Mother's aluminium polish and that brings the surface back surprisingly well. If the overspray resists the compound or polish, wet sanding first with 1500 or even finer might be an option to speed things up a bit.
S

[Clark]

Thanks Scott, Not sure where things are just yet. Weather is going to be warm tonight and tomorrow so I might change my plan from working on windshield tonight to cleaning the wings leading edge out and spars. Have tentative plans for the IA to take an initial look see this month and the give me the good news, bad news about what I'm working with.

[woodmw]

If you choose to go the mechanical type of removal, Aircraft Spruce sells MicroMesh kits. I used one many many years ago with good success. Also maybe auto headlight restoration kits.??? I've used on a couple of cars and they looked good from the front looking into the light. Never removed and looked through to see if all scratches removed, or if swirl marks created.

[Clark]

I have decided to go with a light abrasive sandpaper 1500 wet sand followed by 2000. The paint is very old, very hard. This will be followed with buffing and polishing compounds. The worst is on top of windscreen. So if worse comes to worse it will polished to as best as it can be got and a light window film put over it for cosmetic reasons. And a savings account for a new.windscreen started. Thank you for all your inputs. Clark N24323