Sander de Volder
You've caught my attention, I'm watching!

Bozzer
Did you try using DOT4 brake fluid? Soak the part in a tub, for an hour or so, then use an old toothbrush to get in the details. When all the old paint is removed, wash well with luke-warm water and dish soap.

Joseph Drew
I have one of these started, will definitely be following!

Jules Bye Author
I used Dettol, which worked for me before. Unfortunately I did this after using a little bit of Brush Magic which mullered the surface a little bit!

Sander de Volder
Brake fluid, altough effective, sounds like a bit of a risk to me. If left too long it will work its way into the material, making it reject all paints. Perhaps soaking in some brake cleaner?

Bozzer
Sander, it has to be DOT4, and I've been told DOT3 works too. However, other types can be harmful to the plastic. I've tested DOT4 by leaving a part in it for weeks. I basically forgot all about it, and after all that time, the plastic remains sound, and there's no affect on the new paint? I'm not scientist, that was my siblings, but my experience is a good one. I've definitely heard horrific things about brake fluid, but they were different types. Something about synthetic and other types? I'll certainly stand by DOT4 though, however I've not used Dettol, as suggested by Jules. I'll have to give it a try 😉

Mike Thomas
Technically, all brake fluids are synthetic. The difference between DOT3, 4 and 5 is DOT5 is silicone based, the others are glycol based. Generally speaking, glycol is corrosive, silicone is not. So, 3 and 4 will strip paint, 5 will not.

Bozzer
Thanks for the update and science, Mike. Just out of curiosity, what application would DOT5 be used for? Racing, etc?

Mike Thomas
Military vehicles because of temperature extremes or classics that sit for extended periods. DOT3 and 4 (glycol) absorb moisture, which can lead to corrosion of brake components. DOT5 (silicone) repels moisture so no corrosion...but, because it repels moisture, any moisture that is in the system can collect in low points and when heated, can instantly flash to steam, which is not a good thing for brakes, so it really isn't recommended for racing or other high temp situations. There is another version of DOT4, called Super DOT4 or DOT4+, which has a higher boiling point, so it is better for racing applications. You can use it in your "regular" car, as well, as long as your vehicle calls for DOT4. A general rule of thumb is any vehicle that has an ABS brake system should not use DOT5 so this includes most modern vehicles. After 22 years on the parts counter, you tend to pick up on these things. 😉🤪

scaleffect
DOT5.1 was the standard for racing for quite some time, now some cars are using newer Class 6 or Class 7 fluids, which don't have higher boiling points, but are lower viscosity and necessary for some of the newer brake-by-wire and ABS systems. Not that it has anything to do with stripping paint, but I just wanted to intrude with a racing comment 🙂

Bozzer
That was a very interesting read and something new, that I learned. I knew 3&4 were hydroscopic, but I never even considered military vehicles and their temperature extremes? Thanks gentlemen 👍

Jules Bye Author
Bozzer, I used a 50/50 mix of Dettol & Water as suggested by a member of my local IPMS Branch.