Removing lettering/etching from metal?

[Bryan721]

Does anyone have any tips on removing the numbers and lettering from metal? I have tried alcohol, acetone, heat and no luck, I plan to powder coat them clear so it will show.

 

[Boatles]

Sand/media blasting?

 

[Bryan721]

Sand/media blasting?

I was trying to keep the smooth raw look, I think blasting would change the look

 

[Nordie]

If you're planning on keeping the raw look, why not leave the tube numbers?

 

[rivergames]

Isn't the text lasered on? The only way is to sand or coat over it. Clear will show. Doesn't look bad and those are some nice welds!

 

[HNL2LHC]

I’d assume that it is burned in by laser and only way to remove is sand or blast as noted. I don‘t think that they look bad under the clear if you are going for the raw look.

 

[Sharky]

3M Eraser wheel.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40065358/

 

[Bryan721]

If you're planning on keeping the raw look, why not leave the tube numbers?

I guess it’s my ocd, the letters are upside down vs the hcr logo and the opposite arm doesn’t have anything.

 

[Bryan721]

Isn't the text lasered on? The only way is to sand or coat over it. Clear will show. Doesn't look bad and those are some nice welds!

I think it is, I reached out to HCR and they said they usually use acetone but I had to luck

 

[ChrisV]

Once it’s welded with the print, you can’t take it off. They should’ve cleaned it first before welding.

 

[Bryan721]

Once it’s welded with the print, you can’t take it off. They should’ve cleaned it first before welding.

Makes since, all the heat bakes it into the metal. Maybe I will see if they will exchange that arm. Thanks

 

[Yldboyz]

The only way I was able to remove them was by cut and polish, if you want the patina you have to clean the parts before you weld them together.

 

[oldboatsrule]

Like said above. Prior to welding acetone will remove the lettering with ease. Post weld Scotch Brite or maybe a stiff bristled brush and acetone as the ink is burned into the pores of the metal.

 

[Wheeler]

I’d assume that it is burned in by laser and only way to remove is sand or blast as noted. I don‘t think that they look bad under the clear if you are going for the raw look.

Easy off or an rdp sticker?

 

[joecfd1]

Burned in by now. Acetone before weld.

 

[Bryan721]

Like said above. Prior to welding acetone will remove the lettering with ease. Post weld Scotch Brite or maybe a stiff bristled brush and acetone as the ink is burned into the pores of the metal.

Thanks I’m just worried if I use scotch brite only that area of the arm will have scratches/swirl marks and the rest will be smooth. Hopefully I can get them to exchange it.

 

[Icky]

Possibly paint stripper, but I've never tried it and dont know how it would effect the finish. I usually remove it prior like mentioned above.

 

[Happy Smitty]

Leave it and consider it part of the original material. It ain't coming off.

 

[outboard_256]

Kind of surprised they didn't clean the metal good before welding.

 

[RiverDave]

I’d sand blast it real quick.. but what do I know

 

[Bryan721]

Thanks for all the input, after trying a few things HCR recommended and no luck they are sending me a new arm.

 

[Bryan721]

Got the rest of it coated in clear today!