How do you remove paint from a brass bell safely?

John
by John

My Dad and I worked for CN Rail in Canada. He has passed on a locomotive brass bell to me. I would like to restore it to it's glory days! How can I remove the paint which has been on it for about 20 years without damaging the brass finish? Thank you.

  4 answers
  • Cor32419347 Cor32419347 on Jan 29, 2019

    I’ve seen on tv people actually boiling/simmering the paint off. This is a natural process. You should be able to peel the paint off. Good luck!

  • Ebbjdl Ebbjdl on Jan 29, 2019

    John,. Check with Home Depot, about a stripper, and then brass cleaner. Aloha!

  • Patricia fehr Patricia fehr on Jan 31, 2019

    My husband bought an old painted up RR sign and was specifically told that removing the paint would damage the historic value. With that said, it's what makes you happy 😁 Just wanted to mention that RR memorabilia is a thriving market even if you don't want to sell.

  • John John on Jan 31, 2019

    Nice to know I also have 3 lanterns that breakmen in the yards use to use to shunt rail cars!