Removing Paint From ABS Plastic...

[83 WB_Ute]

Hey guys, I have decided that I am going to properly fix my dash using a proper plastic welder and I have to remove the original paint...

My question is how do you remove the paint from the plastic without hurting or ruining the plastic???

I just want to start from a blank canvas, because that ends up with better results..

Also, where do you buy ABS plastic welding rods from?? I have bought myself a cheap plastic welder, and am now looking for some ABS plastic rods to repair the dash...

Thanks for the help..

[V6HQUTE]

get sanding , dont buy rods cut up another dash into whatever size you want, or go see who ever plastic welds locally, i saw on another forum a bloke went and bought a cheap clip board(like they give you on school excursions, when your meant to take notes) that was abs plastic, and chopped it up

--- Updated ---

i think it might have been a motorbike forum, some bloke was fixing his plastics after a crash, i think i googled plastic welding with soldering iron?? you could try whats made of abs plastic around the house etc etc you get the idea anyway

[83 WB_Ute]

get sanding , dont buy rods cut up another dash into whatever size you want, or go see who ever plastic welds locally, i saw on another forum a bloke went and bought a cheap clip board(like they give you on school excursions, when your meant to take notes) that was abs plastic, and chopped it up

--- Updated ---

i think it might have been a motorbike forum, some bloke was fixing his plastics after a crash, i think i googled plastic welding with soldering iron?? you could try whats made of abs plastic around the house etc etc you get the idea anyway

Rightio, I would sand the whole lot if it was smooth, but want to keep the grained finish.. I think someone said that they put the dash in the 'soda bath' for a week... If any one could shed some light on that, it would be good..

Yeah, I have to work out who does plastic welding locally.. :( But I'll work it out.. If not, I'll use another dash for parts..

--- Updated ---

Just read that you can use heavy duty oven cleaner (has caustic soda in it..) and ABS plastic is resisteant to caustic chemicals... Spray it on and leave for 15mins, then use a toothbrush to rub the whole piece and then wash it thoroughly with soapy water...

That is supposed to work, so I will get some oven cleaner and try that on one of the scrap fascias I have here and let you know how I go.. If it works, I will do the whole fascia and then I should be able to start welding when my plastic welder gets here..

[83 WB_Ute]

Well, I found some old oven cleaner that only had 5% caustic soda.. Tried that, and it removed a small amount of paint.. So have sent mum looking for an oven cleaner thats a bit stronger..

Have paid for the plastic welder aswell, so am waiting on that... And does anyone know where to buy actual ABS welding rods?? the parents said that I had to get the actual rods because they don't want me stuffing it up..

Any help regarding the welding rods is appreciated..

[vanman]

Try Brake fluid

[83 WB_Ute]

Try Brake fluid

Will that affect the plastic???

[playwme]

Well, I found some old oven cleaner that only had 5% caustic soda.. Tried that, and it removed a small amount of paint.. So have sent mum looking for an oven cleaner thats a bit stronger..

Have paid for the plastic welder aswell, so am waiting on that... And does anyone know where to buy actual ABS welding rods?? the parents said that I had to get the actual rods because they don't want me stuffing it up..

Any help regarding the welding rods is appreciated..

Do what you said before and use some plastic off an old dash. That way you get the exact same type of plastic. The rods might be a different composition of plastic.

[83 WB_Ute]

Do what you said before and use some plastic off an old dash. That way you get the exact same type of plastic. The rods might be a different composition of plastic.

Righto, I better get cutting.. I have 2 fascias that I can cut up for parts, so it's all good..

Thanks for the help..

[TwoTees]

Caustic Soda is Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). look for this as an active ingredient in domestic "draino" type products. It could be as strong as 90% so be careful with it. Don't breath the dust if you get powder type and keep it off your skin and eyes. Even light dust that floats in the air and lands on your skin will cause irritation if its up near 90%.
Mix it with water at about 1 cup to 20 lts water and soak a sample over night to see if it is strong enough. Keep it away from aluminium, it will eat into it and give off flammable gas. Have a read up about it first so you know what you are dealing with.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hydroxide

Potassium Hydroxide will do the same.

[abncraig]

the good thing about caustic is if you get it on you just wash it off with water. If it's only a little bit than a couple minutes should do if your really concerned about the amount on your skin keep under running water for a good 20 mins. It's not really a burn more of an itch