Removing Lettering on Pam Dials

[dvburns]

Is there a chemical that can be used on a Q-tip or small brush to safely remove the Panerai lettering on a dial without damaging the face of the dial?

 

[Rocketeer]

No

 

[smc]

Sandpaper and flat black primer will do the trick.

 

[horologie_unitas]

dont even think about that....

 

[smc]

lol that's what I did. I slipped trying to put the hands back on my 177h.

 

[cybee]

I was cleaning a rep dial once with some rodico and accidentally took some lettering off, but it wasnt a Panerai dial. With enough pressure and patience the rodico might work.

 

[Orion]

I thought about doing this to a watch.I was gonna try a light cleaner wax and if that was not abrasive enough, some polishing compound.Never could try it because when I got the watch it was a front loaded watch and I do not have a crystal puller to get to the dial.

Let us know what you try and if it works for you.Good luck.

 

[hooligan]

You could try some mineral spirits or "Goo Gone". I used Goo Gone and a razor blade to remove the dashes in an old "T-Swiss-T" DSN dial. It made the area I worked on a bit shiney compared to the rest of the dial, but a light coat of matte clear would take care of that.

I'd practice on a spare dial first, though. :wink:

 

[Rocketeer]

With some dials, you can lift the print with adhesive tape. It takes a while but does sometimes work :wink:

A dial restorer who works on them all the time will have the experience to know what's the safest way. If you work quickly and accurately there are various liquids and compounds used mainly in art restoration that can be used but you will wreck a good few dials learning how to manage their use.

 

[Vigil]

I was able to take the lettering but not the finish off of a cheap Rolex rep with some acetone.

 

[Hambone]

This is an effective method. Be sure to wear a fire retardent suit.

 

[hubrisin]

Try rubbing alcohol. As rule, if it's an acrylic based paint or ink this will work without harming the enamel below. This worked on an older dial I had and it took the lume off too.

 

[Rocketeer]

Nearly all dials use pad printing and this needs solvent based ink to give the fast evaporation needed. The major unknown is what ink/paint the main dial colour uses. You need to carefully test on a dial edge to see if the solvent you are thinking of using will immediately wreck the dial surface or will give you enough time to lift the print before softening the dial surface. You also need to have a neutraliser available that will immediately stop any further action by the solvent.