Paint on Hydraulic Cylinder

[CurlyDave]

OK guys, I need some help here.

I installed a thumb on my JD 110 last weekend, and when the welder finished welding the mounting plate on the dipperstick, he spray painted it with primer. Then I spray painted the while thing with JD yellow, and managed to get specs of overspray on the chromed rod which extends from the hydraulic cylinder.

No, I didn't paint the whole thing yellow, I just got overspray on it. If I needed to describe it better, I would say hold up an ordinary windowscreen and there would be about one small paint spec in each square of the mesh.

Should I try to get it off, or just leave it?

How do I get it off? A paint stripper (might deteriorate the o-rings in the cylinder)? Automotive polishing compound might leave fine grit in the o-rings)? Scrub the cylinder with a Scotchbrite pad (this might be good, the chrome plating is very hard)?

Does anyone know for sure?

 

[stray]

Paint thinner should do just fine. No chance of hurting the shaft or seal using this method.

 

[MadReferee]

Mineral spirits (paint thinner) probably would work. Put a little on a rag and rub. The paint should come right off.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

If plain ol' paint thinner doesn't get it off, try "brake cleaner" or carb cleaner. If you're worried about residue from either of those eating at rubber seals, clean again with contact cleaner (which may well remove the paint on it's own) All three of these products will evaporate and leave the ram clean. If you don't use it right away, shoot some WD-40 or rub it with some hydraulic oil to prevent any surface rust after cleaning.

 

[PineRidge]

Lacquer thinner on a rag will take it right off, don't ask me how I know that. We always keep a quart of the stuff around for cleanups.

Extend the cylinder before clean-up so you stay away from the seal.

 

[bx23barry]

Heck, wd40 will probably take it off. Paint don't stick to chrome too good at all especially chrome with an oil film like most ram shafts.

 

[3RRL]

Paint thinner and scotchbrite...no problem. Wipe clean with rag.

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto.. scotch brite or a kitchen plastic scrubbie and paint thinner...

paint in the hyds are way worse that a small bit of wear and tear on the chrome rod.. or the outter surface of the piston 'wipe'

I always put a band of tape around my piston rod at the wipe, and then run a good hadfull of grease all over the rod.. whipe clean after painting.. remove tape.. no issues..

Soundguy

 

[CurlyDave]

Well, it actually came off with nothing but a paper towel.

The ram had a thin layer of oil on it and the paint just plain didn't stick.

 

[Soundguy]

Good deal. Usually frequently used hyd pistons are like that.. enough oil to keep overspray off. it is when they set a while that they get dry.

Soundguy