My son recently did this to a kit by sanding the paint. You could use heavier grit until the WMP starts to show, then finer grit. You’ll need to use Novus polish once all the paint is off to remove scratches. That’s just one idea, I’m sure there are others.

I removed paint from a Vistalite set using some mild paint stripping compound, that might be an option too Here’s a link.

http://vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=57064&highlight=Vistalite

[QUOTE=tpick;438966]My son recently did this to a kit by sanding the paint. You could use heavier grit until the WMP starts to show, then finer grit. You’ll need to use Novus polish once all the paint is off to remove scratches. That’s just one idea, I’m sure there are others.

I removed paint from a Vistalite set using some mild paint stripping compound, that might be an option too Here’s a link.

http://vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=57064&highlight=Vistalite[/QUOTE

Hi tpick, thanks for that. I think I will try the mild citrus based stripper first - i am worried about scratching if I sand. But then again, I have never used Novus so it may actually do the job. Thanks again man.

Cheers

Erik

Erik,

If your’re going to use a stripping compound I would first try it behind a lug, so if it does cause damage it’s in an area that won’t be seen. I had to leave the stuff I used on for 24 hours, but tested first with shorter durations until I came up with a time that would loosen the paint, but not damage the acrylic. I also taped up the holes from the inside so none of it dripped in to the inside of the shells.

Black Label,

Wow, someone really put a lot of time into painting that kit. Not only did they take the time to paint all the hardware black (who wants that ugly chrome anyway, right?), but they took the time to paint each individual tension rod white! Painting and stripping off pearl wraps happened more often than you'd think in the '70s and '80s. The pearl wraps of the '50s and '60s fell out of fashion as many of us viewed them as the previous generation's style and taste. As the catalogs show, solid colors and simulated wood finishes became the trend.

So there are basically two ways to remove the paint: mechanical (sanding or scraping) or chemical (mild stripping agents). Both methods can result in damage to the wrap if not done properly. Hopefully, more members here will offer their favorite method, but if you do a search in the Restoring section, you'll come up a lot of successful, proven techniques. Personally, I would try spray-on graffiti remover. I've never had the need to try it, but some members here swear by it.

Good luck and keep us posted on your success.

Mike

This will be a fun, yet labor intensive project.

On another note..............If I were ever to become President, I would make it perfectly legal to flog, tar and feather and publicly ridicule anyone who did this to a vintage drum kit.

It will be well worth the effort.

Better that rewrapping it!

Since its been proven to help restore WMP wraps ( remove the yellowing) then why not try some lacquer thinner to see if it will dissolve that paint.

Likely the paint is the rattle can spray type. I have used graffiti paint remover from Home Depot with good success. Use a plastic paint scrapper dragged backwards to remove the old paint - easiest to avoid damage but will take a bit more effort. Might take more than one coat of remover.

Would think sand paper is too easy to damage the wrap to use successfully.

I agree with amosguy. Any scuffs you get from sandpaper are not going to be removed easily by Novus......marko