Help! How do I clean this off my AR-15??

[gbelleh]

My AR-15 was leaning (unloaded) temporarily in a corner where it was accidentally knocked over by a friend. The barrel scraped along the wall before it clattered to the floor.

As a result, there is paint from the wall on the end of the barrel and I haven't been able to get it off easily.

What would be the best way to remove it without damaging the finish?

This is a Bushmaster XM-15 (M4 type) with the muzzle brake.

 

[MiniZ]

Dab some of your favorite cleaning solvent on it and let it sit a while. Then put a little on a rag and give it some elbow grease.

In a worst case scenario, get some 000 steel wool and with gun oil/CLP on the steel wool, gently rub until it is gone.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Steel wool? Are you nuts?

A copper brush will NOT harm the parkerizing and yet is tough enough to scrub away the uglies. Steel WILL take off the finish.

 

[gbelleh]

I will try more prolonged solvent exposure. I've been reluctant to use any kind of brush on it.

 

[Atticus]

Pencil erasers work pretty well sometimes.

 

[TacticalSquirrel]

0000 or 000 Steel Wool is very soft and does not harm the finish. I have used many many many pieces of 0000 (4-ought) steel wool on some of the finest of finishes. Hoppes #9 will also help if used as a light coat. Very little of both are needed. 0000 wool can be used on any blued finish or even wood if it's got a little grime or something on it.

 

[Jim K]

Hi, gbelleh,

I agree on steel wool on blued steel, though I prefer brass or copper wool. But on Parkerizing, any steel wool will remove some finish and even brass or copper can affect it. I second the use of a bronze or copper brush, but if the paint is latex, just plain water and soap on a cloth might be enough.

One hopes you are going to repaint the wall as well.

Jim

 

[Quartus]

Goof off.

 

[AR-10]

No need for namecalling.

Goof Off. Is that anything like GooBeGone?

 

[Texas Gunman]

CLP, will gradually loosing it up, also their is a product called Oops, it will remove latex paint easily.

TG

 

[Quartus]

Goof Off. Is that anything like GooBeGone?

yup.


BTW, that wan't name calling, that was a recommendation for a way to spend Saturday!

 

[resmeth]

If you are worried about the finish use an old tooth brush. Dried paint shouldn't be too hard to get off with a little solvent, or soap and warm water.

 

[MiniZ]

Yes Dr. Rob, I am nuts.

I have used 000 or 0000 steel wool with oil as a lubricant to take marks off parkerized(I should have made that clear) parts for years.

I will defer to the judgement of much wiser members, however.

 

[Jspy]

Use denatured alcohol for the removal of latex paint. Just a dab on a clean rag should take it right off.

 

[Grampa]

Another vote for Goof Off! Unbelievable stuff.

 

[AR-15Nutt]

i like Carburtor/Choke Cleaner.......

works fast !! but oil it down good after treatment.......

 

[TechBrute]

Oxyclean!!

Just kidding. Seriously, though, one of those plastic dish scrubbers works well for me.

 

[Stinger]

Try your fingernail.

No, I'm serious.

Stinger

 

[RustyHammer]

Last resort: Permanent black magic marker .... couple coats over the white paint and you won't even notice it!

 

[cookie]

BTDT. CLP Breakfree and a toothbrush (not yours).