Removing enamal whitewash from copper is crucial, nevertheless not impossible.
Enamel stain is commonly used on copper owing to it produces a hard bond between the metal and dye, which reduces chipping or peeling. But, this forceful bond besides makes enamel paints actual inflexible to remove. Hard does not miserly impossible, on the other hand: Enamel tint can be removed in many ways.
Sandblasting
Sandblasting can be used to remove enamel dye from copper. Nevertheless, this approach is not normally recommended owing to the sand particles can further sufferance scratches and nick the surface of the Dainty metal. Sandblasting can be followed with sanding to remove any scratches or nicks. This disposition should alone be used for thick copper pieces. Whether the copper is thin, no magnitude of sanding Testament remove the nicks from sandblasting without ruining the plenty.
Scraping
Sometimes heating the paint and copper will release the bond that the enamel paint has on the surface of the copper. Boil the piece for 10 minutes in water then remove it and allow it to cool. The paint should chip away. The water also may encourage the enamel paint to scrape away.
Acetone
Acetone is a solvent that easily eats away enamel paint. If you choose to use this method, test the solvent on a hidden area of the copper first. The acetone may damage the shine or color of the copper. Since acetone evaporates so quickly, it can be hard for it to stay on the surface of the copper long enough to eat away the paint. This problem can be solved by placing the copper piece in a large plastic bag. If your copper piece is too large to fit in a bag you can use plastic wrap to cover the copper while it's still wet. Allow the acetone to sit for 10 to 20 minutes. The paint should be easy to wipe away after this time.
Lacquer Thinner
Lacquer thinner is another excellent enamel paint remover. While commonly used to remove paint from wood, it is almost equally effective at removing paint from copper. Use the same plastic trick as with the acetone. Allow the paint thinner to sit for 20 to 30 minutes, then wipe away. Stubborn paint can be scraped away with a metal pad or wire brush.
Boiling
Scraping is another method that can be attempted to remove enamel paint from copper. The scraping method works best if used in conjunction with another method, such as paint thinner or boiling. Use a metal scouring pad or wire brush to scrape the paint off of the surface of the copper. This will make a terrible sound, but the sound is reduced if done underwater. Some of the paint may come loose during the boiling process as well. Do not use this procedure in a pot used for eating.
