How do I remove the painted enamel from drawer pulls?

by Anon

+13

Answered

How do I remove the painted enamel from the pulls, without damaging the pewter? (the dresser has pewter drawer pulls) Also, this dresser is veneered. I assume that I can successfully repaint with another paint or enamel...What is best?

9 answers

Janet Pizaro on Jan 23, 2017

Are the pulls removable?

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- Anon on Jan 24, 2017
  
  Yes, they are removable.
  
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Carol Jerkovic on Jan 23, 2017

soak in a crockpot for an hour or so on high.

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- Anon on Jan 25, 2017
  
  Thanks to everyone who is replying to my post about enamel on pewter removal...including you, Carol...The crock pot idea is super...I just will have to get myself a small crock pot for purposes other than food....There even is a popular woman on HGTV who got herself one...and she reserves it for projects like soaking things. I have enough pewter drawer pulls to try these various tips, to see what I like best. Your tip is very versatile...since you can use a crock pot for various things besides food.
  
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Mary on Jan 23, 2017

soak in painter friend from home depot or soak in oil for a day or two. Painter friend is what I would try first.

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- Anon on Jan 24, 2017
  
  Thanks Mary, I never heard of Painter Friend...I will consider it. The oil idea is interesting also. Enamel is probably harder to remove than regular paint.
  
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Hillela G. on Jan 24, 2017

Try goof-off paint stripper

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- See 8 previous
- Anon on Jan 24, 2017
  
  So, what is "goof-off" paint stripper? Are you being funny,
  or is there a product called that?
  
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- Lid on Jan 25, 2017
  
  It's a real product, and it usually works well. I would suggest looking up the list of what it works on, and if so maybe soak them in it and use a scrub brush to remove the enamel if it's not too thick or is chipped. Otherwise, my suggestion (since it is enamel) would be to try nail polish remover with an old toothbrush or cloth to take off as much as possible without damaging the pewter. Keep in mind you aren't actually scrubbing the metal with it, it's the enamel, and people paint/seal metal and remove it all the time; think metal model cars, making jewelry, or my favorite: when kids dump the nail polish everywhere trying to paint their nails like mommy does, As long as you promptly clean with hot soapy water and dry as you finish each one it should be fine; you can always do a spot test in an inconspicuous place for any method you're unsure about.
  
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- Anon on Jan 25, 2017
  
  Thanks, "Harleyangel" for this info...I think I will try the nail polish remover first. GREAT info...!
  
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Janet Pizaro on Jan 24, 2017

Do not use any chemicals as they will take the finish off. Soak them in soapy very hot water until soft enough to scrape off with plastic scraper.

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Anon on Jan 24, 2017

Thanks Janet...sounds good...will try it. I might just replace them altogether, though, since pewter does not seem to clean up too easily in general.

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Garniss on Jan 24, 2017

Boil in vinegar to remove the paint!

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- Janet Pizaro on Jan 24, 2017
  
  vinegar will remove the finish
  
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Suz19276453 on Feb 02, 2017

dawn dish soap crock pot on high for day and the on low, till it rubs off with you hand. and only. not for food.............. suzanne

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Anon on Feb 02, 2017

THANK you so much, Suzanne!!! Interesting indeed!

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