removing buckle finish?

[brokenflint]

Any suggestions on removing the varnish / plastic coating on brass buckles?   I've got a couple of brass buckles I've purchased from tandy that need to be aged     I really don't want to mess with sanding and acetone is out for the moment, so I'm looking for alternatives.

Brokenflint

[Chuck Burrows]

Lacquer thinner and 4/0 steel wool works best for me - let soak for 1/3 to 1 hour and then scrub off any remaining. I've done a ton of buckles. etc. with a finish and this has always worked. Like it or not it will take a bit of work to remove.

[brokenflint]

Thanks Chuck I'll give that a shot latter today once I get home.  Don't know why I didn't think of lacquer thinner  blame it on old age LOL

[valongrifles]

I have good success using muratic acid to remove plating on screws and etc. Should work on finish and such. Be Careful that stuff is potent.

[grabenkater]

I throw them in a pile of charcoal briquettes and light them up. It will burn off the nickle plating also.

[Tim Crosby]

 Paint remover works well.

  Tim C.

[Chuck Burrows]

re: the muriatic - tried it it and it doesn't work well on finishes but does great fro removing plating

Heat-fire can wok well if the buckle is solid brass under the coating, but too often Tandy's buckles are plated zince and they will melt - ask me how I know! 

[Pete G.]

When I was in the military they tell you to boil your brass in water. The heat will strip off the lacquer. We then polished with a jewelers cloth.

[ricktull]

this is a good trick for doing buckles and painted door hinges etc. buy a cheap crock pot, add water and parts to be stripped and cook it on high for 6 hrs or so. just wipe everything off when you take it out and move on!

[retired fella]

Back in the day we used lighter fluid in the top of a shoe polish can.  Do it outside.  It will make quick work of the varnish.  Polish with Brasso..

[blackdave]

Heat-fire can wok well if the buckle is solid brass under the coating, but too often Tandy's buckles are plated zince and they will melt - ask me how I know! 
[/quote]

Chuck, that is one experience we share.  I made some picket pins for a friend and rigged up a swivel ring on the pin.  I had some clips to attach the rope, but they were too shiny.  I threw them in my propane forge on low and watched them turn into a puddle of zinc before my eyes!

I remain your humble servant,

Just Dave

[timalso]

Acetone or Methyl acetate (fingernail polish remover) will work as would turpentine, lighter fluid or paint remover. Leave the muriatic (hydrochloric) acid for other purposes. Please use all outside and try not to have too much skin contact with any of the above. Good luck.

[Dphariss]

Get some stripper that will pull epoxy finishes if all else fails. Lumber yard should have it.
Today its easy to run into plastic coatings that some things will not remove.

Dan

[Collector]

Back in the day we used lighter fluid in the top of a shoe polish can.  Do it outside.  It will make quick work of the varnish.  Polish with Brasso..

... You will not see this again.  It is the old way.

[Tony N]

Back in the day we used lighter fluid in the top of a shoe polish can.  Do it outside.  It will make quick work of the varnish.  Polish with Brasso..

Amen!!

~Tony

[Mick C]

Brasso will do it.  Then you can also shine it up after the finish is gone.