Tips for removing shellac?

[kbf64]

From black anodized metal? Acetone, mineral spirits? Without damaging the black anodizing / parker'izing?

 

[Quirt Evans]

Alcohol is the solvent for shellac.

 

[daved20319]

I don't think that's correct once it's dried. I don't think you'll damage anodizing with most solvents, it's not exactly a coating, more like aluminum's answer to case hardening. Lacquer thinner would probably do the trick, although you might have to resort to an actual paint remover, if you were closer I'd offer you some of my coffee . Actually, Citri-Strip is a surprisingly effective finish remover, I used it to remove the plastic coating on my old Airstream travel trailer. Good luck.

Dave

 

[albin25]

IF it's actual shellac, alcohol will remove it even when it's dried. Lacquer thinner (acetone) might, but will/could permanently damage any plastic or other finish it touches.

 

[K-22]

I don't think that's correct once it's dried. I don't think you'll damage anodizing with most solvents, it's not exactly a coating, more like aluminum's answer to case hardening. Lacquer thinner would probably do the trick, although you might have to resort to an actual paint remover, if you were closer I'd offer you some of my coffee . Actually, Citri-Strip is a surprisingly effective finish remover, I used it to remove the plastic coating on my old Airstream travel trailer. Good luck.

Dave

Alcohol will dissolve dried shellac, for certain.
Best,
Gary

 

[thorborg]

I cannot speak for Parkerizing as I have no experience with it but for "anodizing" as the word industrially applies in my mind of using electrically applied dyes or clear on aluminum to apply color , protection or just for surface hardening aluminum, Alcohol will thin and soften Shellac so it may be removed with a rag for sure but I also would try any handy solvent of your choice which may work faster since few if any will harm Anodized things. I've used Alcohol, acetone, lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, paint thinner (and maybe even MEK I don't remember) on anodized things to remove paint,, adhesive gums, and grease, without harm to the anodized object. (some may require secondary cleaning to remove residue) Obviously try a small unobtrusive spot first.

 

[DB is Here]

I use denatured alcohol, works like a champ.

 

[Flopsweat]

I cannot speak for Parkerizing as I have no experience with it but for "anodizing" as the word industrially applies in my mind of using electrically applied dyes or clear on aluminum to apply color , protection or just for surface hardening aluminum, Alcohol will thin and soften Shellac so it may be removed with a rag for sure but I also would try any handy solvent of your choice which may work faster since few if any will harm Anodized things. I've used Alcohol, acetone, lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, paint thinner (and maybe even MEK I don't remember) on anodized things to remove paint,, adhesive gums, and grease, without harm to the anodized object. (some may require secondary cleaning to remove residue) Obviously try a small unobtrusive spot first.

Yeah, if you've used MEK you're excused if you don't remember. That bubblegum's pretty nasty.

 

[kbf64]

Thanks all, seems as though the alcohol worked with a little elbow grease.