White lettering question

[ColKurtz]

I picked up an 03 Springfield a while back (made in 1908) that a previous owner whitened the lettering on the receiver. I’d like to remove it without damaging the finish underneath. Any advice on how to determine what I’m dealing with and how best to remove it? Or leave it?

 

[Amanda4461]

It is only white crayola crayon. I use a gun toothbrush, or a nylon or brass brush, and a rag. It comes right off.

 

[Scsmith42]

^^^ IF that doesn’t work, then a bead blasting machine with crushed walnut hulls for media should do the trick.

 

[bladesmith3]

do not blast the finish. even baking soda will shine the steel. i have been vapor blasting for decades. try a toothbrush and hand sanitizer.

 

[GymB]

Rag with alcohol or acetone. Toothbrush is good, but acetone will dissolve a toothbrush, alcohol won’t. Acetone will also remove some wood finishes.
Never thought about using handsanitizer, like the idea.

 

[cubrock]

I’ve done it with toothbrush and gun oil. Really doesn’t take much to remove it, especially if it is China white and not a crayon.