QuestionMy home was broken into recently, and jewelry was stolen. We have recovered most of it, and while the good pieces were untouched, the sterling silver was spray painted gold! Is there anyway to remove this paint without ruining the jewelry?
AnswerRobin, I would go to a paint store or hardware store with lots of spray paints. Find a gold spray paint. Ask someone for the best solvent to use to remove that paint.
Most spray paints are not true enamels and can be removed fairly easily with a good solvent. One solvent is lacquer thinner but is nasty to breathe and should be used outdoors. That is why I suggest you find a gold paint and ask how to remove it. There is not a significant difference in the makeup of most metallic spray paints for normal consumers like us and for thieves.
A good soak and maybe a rub should remove the paint. The silver should be unharmed but might need a slight polishing. If stones are present, clear stones except foilback rhinestones should be fine. Porous stones like turquoise may be discolored.
Solvents for paints generally do not contain chemicals damaging to silver.
Go for it and get your jewelry truly back. : )
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
