lowes sells some graffiti remover that is supposed to be real good on removing paint but not doing harm. i'd soak the hardware in dawn/water overnight and then polish. good luck!

mike

Try dr. Motsenblocker's Lift Off #5. I used it to strip Vistalites that we're painted from the inside. It's gentle enough to not harm plastic but does a heck of a job on paint.

be careful for the ump teenth time! some removers will remove the nitrous cellulose lacquer

or in the least melt it use a bio or citrus base i prefer a back to nature product as in ultra strip, brush it on in one direction (not the band) bag it with dry cleaner plastic or light weight plastic , let it cook over night , in the morning remove with plastic scrapers and a non abrasive scrubby, whats left repeat and final wash brand new , works great on hardware too

Thanks guys--this gives me a place to start.