Hi guys! My Thorkild May pro mod's LOL clear has chipped bad around the bevel, to the point that the inconsistent grip around that are gives me trouble with my balance tricks. Any suggestions on how to strip paint off a tama? Hopefully, I want to reinvigorate my Slaydawg by going natty.
I’ve used fine grit sandpaper to slowly and evenly wear down a badly chipped silk finish, and it worked out pretty well. I would use fine grit to keep it from getting uneven, but you still have to pay attention to what you’re doing. The sanded tama will have minor remnants of its previous paint, but as long as it’s even and smooth it will play like a natty.
I'd be worried about flat-spotting the tama. If I were going to try it I'd probably go with paint remover. The gel stuff I've read about seems ideal but YMMV. Check here for some info on striping paint: Read This Before You Strip Paint from Wood.
Jasco liquid stripper. Apply it to the painted area. Let it sit for 5 minutes or so. Remove the paint with a scraper or old credit card. The paint will pretty much fall off. Rinse with water. Wear eye protection! Wear gloves! Try not to get it on your skin! It will even burn you through gloves so take them off and trash them after you apply and after you strip. This stuff is nasty, but it works REALLY well.