How to Remove Lacquer Primer

Paint primer is used to help other paints bond to certain surfaces; it's commonly used on metal, wood and concrete. Paint primer also works well on surfaces that are porous. Paint primers are usually acrylic- or lacquer-based. Removing a lacquer-based paint primer is no different from removing lacquer-based paint. Lacquer thinner is a solvent that can break down the ingredients found in lacquer paint. Removing lacquer primer can be done in a few steps with protection and the proper equipment.

Instructions

1

Protect your skin and eyes. Wear safety goggles and safety gloves. Lacquer thinner has properties that can damage skin on contact. Work in a well-ventilated area.

2

Dilute the lacquer thinner with water. Add a 1/2 gallon of water to a bucket; then add 1 cup of lacquer thinner. Adjust mixture according to how much primer needs to be removed.

3

Try a test spot. In an inconspicuous spot on whatever you're removing paint primer from, dip a clean cloth into the lacquer-thinner mixture. Wipe the spot and see how well the primer is removed. Strengthen or weaken the mixture accordingly.

4

Remove the remaining primer paint using the cloths. Rinse the cloths thoroughly with clean water and go over the area where the lacquer thinner was used.