Advise needed - Sea-Dweller got sprayed with paint

[Jhquek]

Hey All, Got a bit of tiny issue.

My Dads watch 16600 Sea Dweller got sprayed with speckles of ship external coating paint, apparently he used his watch hand to shield his face while walking past some workers coating a ship's external.

Washing with toothbrush removed some speckles but there's paint still.
On the bezel, crystal, case and bracelet.

Bracelet should be easy fix but any idea on bezel and crystal.

Any DIY suggestions?
Going to RSC probably gets a recommendation of re-polish, replacement of bezel insert and crystal.

[Jhquek]

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[kingSubTT]

Sue the heck out for the RSC bill. This is why you need a legal plan. I have a legal plan through work. It is $20 a month and it is worth every penny.

[crowncollection]

If your thinking of replacing the bezel and crystal anyway, try some methylated spirits on a rag, then rinse it after of course with water.


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[05carbondrz]

What about a Clay bar that is used to remove debris and overspray from Automotive Paint? They can be picked up at pretty much and Auto supply store and usually come with some spray to act as a lubricant.

[Jhquek]

Not thinking of RSC as priority as not really keen on polishing and replacing the parts.

[kosari11]

I wonder if you could use acetone on the crystal? I'm sure it would discolor the bezel however. I've actually had overspray from a spray paint can get on a watch before. I was able to scrape it off with a Wet Brillo pad once it was fully dry. i wouldn't think the acetone or paint thinner would hurt the bracelet or crystal all. The bezel is a cheap fix.

[treblarefils]

Or try an automotive detailing clay bar they are actually used for removing overspray while not damaging paint on a vehicle. This will not harm the watch in any way and is not a chemical. (I see someone beat me to it hahahah)

[carwash66]

Crystal should be easy. A little Windex for lubrication and a single edged razor blade at a slight angle will do the trick. As for the bezel, maybe try some denatured alcohol. I would guess that the alcohol would be less harmful than acetone. If the denatured alcohol didn't work, I would then move to mineral spirits. Good luck.

[Highland Ranger]

clay bar good idea. id think solvent ok too as long as you spot clean it keeping it away from oring areas so dont submerge it, just wet end of qtip and do it spot by spot. crystal and ceramic and stainless should be fine with paint thinner - just the orings. even better, send it in for service.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by carwash66

Crystal should be easy. A little Windex for lubrication and a single edged razor blade at a slight angle will do the trick. As for the bezel, maybe try some denatured alcohol. I would guess that the alcohol would be less harmful than acetone. If the denatured alcohol didn't work, I would then move to mineral spirits. Good luck.

Good idea!

[427_Monster]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

What about a Clay bar that is used to remove debris and overspray from Automotive Paint? They can be picked up at pretty much and Auto supply store and usually come with some spray to act as a lubricant.

Problem is that clay cars are abrasive and will leave micro scratches.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by 427_Monster

Problem is that clay cars are abrasive and will leave micro scratches.

I have used them with a spray detailer on my Black Car and never had any scratches left behind.If You use them Dry,You will scratch the surface.

[William.L.]

Have you tried soaking it in warm water to soften it? Then go back to work with the tooth brush. It'll come off I bet if you stick at it

[doozyj]

Originally Posted by 427_Monster

Problem is that clay cars are abrasive and will leave micro scratches.

Use a mild abrasive one. It won't leave any visible scratches especially on ceramic or steel.

[Lawman77]

Sue for what? I'm a litigator myself, but geez. You've got to be kidding.

[Baco Noir]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

What about a Clay bar that is used to remove debris and overspray from Automotive Paint? They can be picked up at pretty much and Auto supply store and usually come with some spray to act as a lubricant.

Clay bar is a good idea. Any references to legal support are asinine and part of what is wrong with our country today. That will run well in excess if any remedy.

[subtona]

I've had paint on my sub many times, it finds its way off.

New Razor will take it right off the crystal easy as can be.

Bezel is the tricky part but it will come off.

Steel parts are no problem

[William.L.]

Originally Posted by Baco Noir

Clay bar is a good idea. Any references to legal support are asinine and part of what is wrong with our country today. That will run well in excess if any remedy.

+1 I rolled my eyes on that. At the end of the day, some paint got on a watch. These are fairly robust watches. Some elbow Greece and it should clean up

[TheYoungConnoisseur]

before you try anything really aggressive, Id try a Mr Clean Magic Eraser. Ive used it on much crazier things and trust me, it truly is magic

[Frosty]

Hey, guys, hold on a second before you go all Arnold on the poor thing!

Think M-Pro 7

http://www.mpro7.com/

It is good enough that it will remove paint and not damage plastic. I put in in my parts cleaner and came back the next day. The paint was peeling off the parts cleaner. I put it in a plastic tub with no issues.

I would try a spot that is not seen and use a Q-Tip to see if it will work. I have used it to take of paint off plastic with an old tooth brush with no damage to the plastic. I would be very careful around the seals. jmho

[jbsf3]

I would soak it overnight in warm water and some dish soap. IN the morning hit it with the toothbrush again, I bet that would do it. Good luck regardless!

[Ritch99]

I have used these alcohol lens wipes to remove paint specs before.

[Danny83]

I would use some testors model car paint thinner.

[doozyj]

Originally Posted by TheYoungConnoisseur

before you try anything really aggressive, Id try a Mr Clean Magic Eraser. Ive used it on much crazier things and trust me, it truly is magic

I wouldn't use a magic eraser at all, it is abrasive and acts almost like wet sanding. It may change the finish of the steel.

[Rolex57]

The watch is stainless steel. Nothing should be able to adhere itself to the watch unless it was electrolysed.

I'd wash this in soapy water and work the paint off with your fingers or with a soft toothbrush. Mineral spirits would also do the job. Not sure if it could harm the crystal, but if you wash the watch immediately after, you should be fine.

[ReMember]

Originally Posted by kingSubTT

Sue the heck out for the RSC bill. This is why you need a legal plan. I have a legal plan through work. It is $20 a month and it is worth every penny.

You've got to be kidding. Did you miss this: "apparently he used his watch hand to shield his face while walking past some workers coating a ship's external." I guess some people would sue for any reason.

[silverbullet818]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

What about a Clay bar that is used to remove debris and overspray from Automotive Paint? They can be picked up at pretty much and Auto supply store and usually come with some spray to act as a lubricant.

+1 this will work

[kunlun]

Originally Posted by William.L.

Have you tried soaking it in warm water to soften it? Then go back to work with the tooth brush. It'll come off I bet if you stick at it

Best idea is further toothbrush work.

Sometimes a little obsessive work is what does it.

[GMT Aviator]

It'll come off no problem.

Isopropyl Alcohol will thin acrylic based paint. Try that first, moisten a tissue and try wiping it off.

Failing this, if that doesn't move it, moisten a tissue with Acetone which is a solvent and wipe over the speckles. It won't hurt the watch at all.

Once you done that, wash in warm soapy water and dry off.

Simples....it'll all come off.

I wouldn't be using a mild abrasive at all.

In case you're already wondering about the acetone, because the bezel is anodised it won't damage the finish at all. Nor will it hurt the crystal. If it were painted, it be a different story, but it's the paint you want to remove so acetone will likely do the trick.

If it turns out to be a cellulose based paint, you will need to moisten a tissue with cellulose thinners, available from any hobby store, that'll shift it, again, without damaging the watch.