Paint reducer as body solvent

[CCC4me]

Got a van in my possession that had a wrap on it for 10 years. When it was removed it left a MESS at all the edges. I tried my normal succession of products starting with 3m adhesive remover and moving to acetone, mineral spirits, and Goof Off. Nothing touched it. This is what I was facing:


After going to my local automotive paint supply house to get an eraser wheel, the guy recommended paint reducer. He took me out and showed me on a small section and it seemed to work well. Since it's not a customer's car, I thought I'd experiment. Here are the contenders:

The first door handle after the eraser wheel on half of it:


The second door handle using the reducer and spending the same amount of time:


And after for the two door handles I had time to do before work today:


I was really impressed using the reducer. Doesn't seem to harm the finish at all either. I'm really anxious to find some heavy tar now and try it out on that. Has anyone else tried this? Any horror stories attached to its use? I've got a long way to go on this van, but at least I found something that works!

 

[FUNX650]

Got a van in my possession

After going to my local automotive paint supply house to get an eraser wheel, the guy recommended paint reducer.

Just curious...
-Does this Van have a SS or BC/CC paint system?

-What "type" of paint-reducer/(solvent) is this..(that your local automotive paint supply house sold/recommended to you)?

NOTE:
From my looking at the container's "label" it appears to be: Valspar 173 HP (?).
If so: It's a urethane reducer;
and, contains: 2-BUTOXYETHYL ACETATE, XYLENE, ETHYLBENZENE, 2-METHOXYPROPYL ACETATE, and TOLUENE...
***Quite "strong"...IMO...For use as a "tar remover".***

{There are many other paint reducers/solvents.
For Example: Acetone, acrylic, lacquer thinner, MS/OMS; M.E.K.; denatured alcohol, etc.}

at least I found something that works!

That may be so in this case...But remember:

-A solvent is a solution that breaks down the essential properties of paints, varnishes, lacquer,
shellac, oils, grease, and adhesive residues, among others. There are many different kinds of
solvents, each performing a specific reaction/function...with/for a specific product.

-All solvents, (except for water), have a toxic effect on organic tissue.
Then there's their biochemical, physiochemical and neurochemical effects that also deserve our attention.

As always:
Use with caution; and: Dispose of properly.




Bob

 

[CCC4me]

A reducer and thinner are technically different with thinners being for lacquer and reducers being for urethane. Just the verbiage of the trade, I guess. You will see I tried a number of thinners prior to the reducer. MEK (a thinner) would have worked, I'm sure, but I sure as hell don't keep it in my garage given how expensive it is. This Valspar reducer worked well and inexpensively.

Obviously safety is paramount (little more than gloves and using outdoors with proper ventilation is required for this product) and I'm not recommending everyone go try it, but when you're facing something such as this, it pays to know of every tool available.