Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Removing paint

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Expert: - 9/13/2005


Question
I found an old, tilt top school desk at the trash dump.
There was what looked like a foam rubber place mat on top of the desk and on top of the place mat was a can of red spray paint. The paint can was so old it had rusted and completely fallen apart. What was left of the paint had soaked into the foam rubber and glued the whole mess to the desk top. The actual glob is about 2 X 4 inches total.
Is there any way to remove this without ruining the desk?

Answer
Hi Robin
Nice to hear from you.
Sounds to me like you are in need of a paint removing heat gun.
Very inexpensive to buy, or rent if this will be your first and last job of removing paint.
You will find most of these old school desks were made of maple, and the paint will not have seeped into the wood too badly. Should be easy enough to do.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen.

Collectibles-General (Antiques)

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc. I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.

Experience

I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.

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