Sandblasting

[Spaceinvader]

I recently found a 75MM recoiless rifle round on eBay, complete casing and projectile. The problem is its trench art, and has been completely painted red, white and blue. And I want to get this but was wondering if a sandblasted could get the paint off with out damaging the shell or projectile. Its a steel case but not sure of the projectile. If someone could tell me if this would work and what the pros/cons are. Thanks!

 

[Tietrack]

A another & maybe simpler option would be to buy a $5.00 can of paint stripper/remover. It won't damage the shell or projo. One round isn't that big of a job and the original paint, if the projectile had any, is not retrievable either way.

 

[glevum]

Before you attack it with either a sandblaster or paint stripper I would try to see if the top paint can be removed by wiping with a rag soaked in thinners.

I have successfully removed paint from several rounds and found the original paint underneath. On a couple you can still read the stencilling and they were heavily coated with new paint.

 

[HAZORD]

Yes, you can always try lesser grade chemicals and cleaning agents than paint stripper. Shout, used for stains in clothing will remove some paint.

Sandblasting will strip it down to the bare metal, but it will also give the rotating band a frosty surface finish and remove any tool marks from the lathe turning of the original projectile

 

[Spaceinvader]

Oh yes that makes more sence to do it with paint thinners first. Thanks guys!

 

[Falcon]

You can wrap a few layers of duct tape around the band before sandblasting so that the sand doesn't touch it. However, I would agree that a chemical method is the best way to try first.

 

[2pounder]

if you do resort to blasting the paint off you can use a jubilee clip and thin sheet metal strip around the driving band. Also paint is often removed by bead or prunus blasting as its less agressive.