Solvent to dissolve shoe polish release agent?

**mattri** · 03-26-2019, 07:58 PM

Have scraped/wiped/scoured quite a bit but still have some clear shoe polish in some hard to reach places.

What is a good solvent etc to get this stuff out. Action is currently stripped so can immerse if need be.

Thanks, Matt.

**Robinhood** · 03-26-2019, 08:27 PM

I have never worried about a small amount of polish. Actually I have never seen that much access after buffing prior to bedding. You did use neutral right?

**mattri** · 03-26-2019, 08:35 PM

I did use neutral, yes. I'd just like to get the remnants out, it's a stainless action if that matters.

**olddav** · 03-26-2019, 08:36 PM

I would lean toward lacquer thinner, but I would apply it with a Q-Tip on the underside just in case.

**olddav** · 03-26-2019, 08:37 PM

Never mind the Q-Tip on SS.

**Stumpkiller** · 03-26-2019, 08:54 PM

Cigarette lighter fluid (Ronsonol). Very handy mild solvent to have around.

**DesertDug** · 03-26-2019, 09:29 PM

I used mineral spirits.

**Ryfulman** · 03-26-2019, 09:55 PM

WD-40 should clean it up.

**RustyShackle** · 03-26-2019, 10:26 PM

I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest you use the wife’s hair dryer.

**sharpshooter** · 03-27-2019, 12:52 AM

What's it gonna hurt leaving it there?

**jpdown** · 03-27-2019, 10:05 AM

Butane torch will melt out.

**mattri** · 03-27-2019, 10:38 AM

Nothing, I just don't like the residue.

Thanks for the tips, will let you know how it turns out.

**Fotheringill** · 03-27-2019, 11:32 AM

I have left it on after bedding and buffing. Never saw any problem.

**JeepsAndGuns** · 03-27-2019, 01:49 PM

I like the walmart brand (super tech) carb cleaner. I use it and a old toothbrush to remove lots of crud and other stuff like that. If that stuff will not take it off, not much out there will.
Do not get it on plastic or paint! It had never harmed the polymer frame of any of my pistols, but I did start melting the grip panels on a old cheap pistol I worked on once.

**Fotheringill** · 03-27-2019, 02:45 PM

OR - What do the shoeshine guys daub onto a shoe to get rid of the old polish before applying new? That absolutely has to work. It is what it was designed for.

**RustyShackle** · 03-27-2019, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by Fotheringill

OR - What do the shoeshine guys daub onto a shoe to get rid of the old polish before applying new? That absolutely has to work. It is what it was designed for.

Heat: how or what device you choose doesn’t much matter, Hell you could steam/boil it on the stovetop if you wanted.

**Nor Cal Mikie** · 03-27-2019, 09:40 PM

Brake Parts Cleaner on a tooth brush will get it out of tight spots. I have been known to polish the release agent (shoe polish) and leave it as a protectant.

**tobnpr** · 03-30-2019, 10:46 AM

Same degreaser that you (should have) used before applying the release agent (sounds counter-intuitive, but surfaces should be de-greased before, well, greasing them...)

Brake cleaner, acetone, TCE- all will remove it.