Paint removal AR15 upper

[Edwin Caywood]

I was given an AR15 A1 upper, and it was painted by the person who gave me the upper. What would be the best way to remove the paint without damaging the finish or where can I get the finish redone locally in the Tulsa area. My sons and I would like to build it out as a project riffle.

 

[GC7]

If the original anodizing on the upper is still intact, you should be able to use a paint stripper. You'll want to re-oil the finish afterwards since the surface will be dried out from the solvents.

https://www.ar15.com/forums/Armory/What-paint-stripper-is-Safe-on-Anodizing-/19-516892/
Do a test spot first.

 

[swampratt]

Lacquer thinner and Carburetor cleaner dry fast and if you put some on a paper towel and wipe the paint or let the towel
soak for about 3 seconds then wipe you can usually just remove the upper paint without harming what is under it.

I have used Lacquer thinner many times on clear coat painted cars to remove over spray and never lost the shine to the clear coat.
Reason being is it dries fast.
If the solvent dries quick it can't remove anything because it is basically gone.

You can keep some rubbing alcohol handy or a water wetted rag in case you get too carried away with the thinner.
Hit it with water and neutralize/thin it basically

 

[JEVapa]

I use Zip strip or ez strip...they're acetone based. It leaves the adodize but will make it a little gray. Oil will make it black again. You can use break free or similar and scrub it with a copper brush but that'll take a long time.

 

[AKguy1985]

I use Zip strip or ez strip...they're acetone based. It leaves the adodize but will make it a little gray. Oil will make it black again. You can use break free or similar and scrub it with a copper brush but that'll take a long time.

If it's an A1 it should be gray anyhow.