getting paint off taps

[jogey]

I have some brass and metal taps which have white paint attached to them. Is there a way to get the paint off the taps without damaging the surface of the brass and metal?

Thanks

Jonathan

[chris French]

In message , jogey writes

Is brass not a metal then....?

Picking at it with a fingernail will probably work.

Alternatively, a non-stick pan scouring pad rubbed on it.

[Andrew Gabriel]

Bare in mind that it will have some sort of laquer on it. Anything abrasive or paint stripper is likely to damage or remove the laquer.

[Dave Liquorice]

What sort of paint? Oil based or emulsion. Emulsion will come off with boiling water and washing up liquid. Liberal covering of washing up liquid then pour boiling water over to cover, leave to cool. Rub gently with thumb, most bits will come of. Pick off other bits with finger nail.

[The Medway Handyman]

Warm then up with a heat gun then it should peel off.

[jogey]

Thanks to all of you for your replies. I am off to try it!

[jogey]

unfortunately it is oil based

[Dave Liquorice]

Still worth a try, boiling water and washing up liquid isn't as effective on oil paint as emulsion. It really depends on how good the bond between the paint and the metal is.

[meow2222]

there are various ways to remove oil based paints, including caustic soda and solvent oils, but probably all would take the lacquer off with it. You'd need to relacquer right away or your brass would go green.

NT