How to Remove Paint From Stereo Components

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By E. Burgess
eHow Contributing Writer

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Painting a room almost always results in a few splatters, no matter how careful the painters approach their work. Paint on stereo equipment is not likely to harm the components, unless a large amount of pain spills on the gear or gets inside to the electronics. Instead, it looks sloppy and takes away from the aesthetic appeal of a system that may cost a lot of money. Techniques for removing paint from stereo equipment vary with the type of paint spilled on the components, and the materials used in constructing the cabinets, typically either metal or plastic.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Warm water
Liquid soap
Paper towels
Isopropyl alcohol
Petroleum jelly
Acetone (nail polish remover)
Plastic putty knife

Latex paint removal

Step 1

Determine what type of paint has spilled on the stereo components. Removing latex and enamel paint requires different methods than cleaning away oil-based paints.
Step 2

Determine what materials are sued in the cabinet construction of the stereo components. Stainless steel or metal with baked-enamel finishes can be treated safely with most paint removal products. Plastic cabinets require different methods and greater care.
Step 3

Unplug the stereo components from the power source
Step 4

Remove latex paint by pouring a few drops of liquid soap on a wad of paper towels and dampening the towels slightly in warm water.
Step 5

Swab the soapy paper towels on plastic or metal stereo components to loosen and lift away the paint.
Step 6

Dry the components with clean paper towels.

Oil paint removal from steel stereo cabinets

Step 1

Add a few drops of nail polish remover to a wad of paper towels and swab the dried oil-based paint on metal stereo cabinets to soften and remove the paint.
Step 2

Pour a small quantity of isopropyl rubbing alcohol onto clean paper towels and rub the metal cabinet to remove any residual paint.
Step 3

Let the metal air dry to evaporate any traces of alcohol.

Removijng Oil Paint from Plastic Stereo Cabinets

Step 1

Smear a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the dried oil paint on plastic stereo cabinets and allow to set for 10 minutes.
Step 2

Use a plastic putty knife gently to scrape away the paint, wiping it off with paper towels.
Step 3

Wipe off the excess petroleum jelly with clean paper towels.