Thread: How to remove paint without damage

You can use a solvent. Firstly it helps if you know weather the paint is enamel or lacquer and it could be either if it's come from a can.
The solvent I would use as a signwriter would be Universal thinners that car painters use. It's available at hardware stores though if you go into a car painter with a small jar and explain what you are doing chances are he will give you a bit to trial.
Remove the action / barrel from stock first as it may effect the plastic.
Don't expect it to be instant and you may have to soak a rag and leave it on to work for 5 mins or so.
Use gloves and well ventilated area .
Enamel will wrinkle up and start to break down and lacquer with just start wiping off. It's bloody smelly and messy but it's non - abrasive and won't damage the steel .
The blueing should be fine but do a test area first thats out of sight.
The only issue you may have is if the previous owner has sanded or wire wooled it to help the paint key on.
Good luck and let me know how you get on.