We need to strip paint from very old cabinet pulls, but do not want to damage the pulls...?

Question

We recently purchased our home, and really want to keep the original Kitchen cabinet door pulls/handles. They are coated with several coats of paint, and we want to strip the paint, but are afraid of damaging the plastic material they are made from. What can we use to strip the paint, that will not damage the plastic ??? They are very old, probably 50-60 yrs old....Thanks !!!

Answer 1

I also love to finish furniture. I have found an awesome product that is very safe to use....you will love it! E.Z WAY Paint and Varnish stripper. Its simple to use, safe to inhale...Does not contain any Methylene Chloride....(cancer agent) Not sure where you live... www.e-zway.ca Its relatively in-expensive.... I have finished many pieces and have needed to spend a fortune of stripper.....ez way..goes on forever...its gentle and wont harm your piece. Good luck..and have fun...its is so satisfying to strip and finish a piece..then show it off! Byeeeee L.Butler

Answer 2

Use the hottest water you can get. This will remove the paint. I wouldn't trust acetone or any other chemical stripper. But I've successfully stripped stray paint off of towel bar ends and other fixtures the painter messed up.

Answer 3

The handles may be bakelight. I would not use any kind of stripper on them. Take them to a professional furniture refinisher and seek advice before doing permanent damage.

Answer 4

50 to 60 yr old plastic? wow. hmmm well id think lacquer thinnner would do it....but may want to try something less powerful first like acetone or mineral spirits. read the lables of these and see if they say not to use on plastic....

Answer 5

maybe you can try finger nail Polish remover and see if that could work,
it's not like all the other removers and it smells nice to.
try that first and a small tooth brush soft head and try that
and then let me know how it worked

Answer 6

Try Pine Sol. A lot of toy collectors use it.