no lacquer thinner....do you have a vintage place...I'd take them in since they are down. Sometimes they dip things. I've used stripper on a lot of things, but wouldn't proceed till you asked an antique person. That original finish on there makes it tricky. It might be old oil based paint-sometimes if you can get under it gently it will peel off. Just take the pieces in somewhere.

Thanks herb. Ironically it was the vintage place that told me lacquer thinner, which didn't feel right. I got a great answer over on Old Houses so I'm going to follow their advice. Thanks for responding.

What was their suggestion?

How bid are the sconces? A great way to remove layers of old paint from metal objects is to put them in an old crock pot with water. Just soak it for a few days at full heat, and the paint will usually come right off. I have a feeling your sconces are too big, but how about a stock pot?

Of course, there is always methyl ethyl ketone, found in strippers of last resort.

Oops, that was "how BIG are the sconces."

Would love to know what Old Houses recommended! We have a 1925 Bungalow and four wall sconces had to come off for the electrical rewiring, and they are just encrusted in years of paint. The maker's mark on the inside of each one is in a cool, art nouveau font.
Haven't gotten around to them yet, (soooo much to do), but I need to do it soon as I can't take much more of the bad lighting in my living room. PLEASE tell me how it went with your sconces. Keep up the good work!
BrideofBungaloonie :)

How did the sconces turn out?

Hi MrsB. - Truth be told, I haven't gotten to them yet. I'm taking next week off to paint and clean so I'll have them done next week. I'll take some pictures and post when they are finally done.

I was taken aback by the latex assumption, myself. If they've never been removed for paint, and you have a 1929 Spanish, that's way pre-latex invention.

But the lacquer thinner would damage any finish of that time.

So... What did they recommend?
Christine

1929Spanish I understand TOTALLY about all the endless work with these dear old houses. I look forward to the pictures.
An update on my end:
While away for a weekend with my best friend, my husband took a heat gun to my sconces! I was shocked that he did that, but so far they look unharmed. Too late now anyway I guess :)They are far from paint free, but the layers that have come off are revealing the original metal in streaky bits.
He worked on them for hours and hours apparently. Turned out he wanted to take his new heat gun for a spin. We put a freeze on any further heatgun activity until I can find out more.
Still dying to know what Old Houses recommended. Went there to root around and got totally overwhelmed. I think it's just restoration overload! LOL!

Looks like the Old House forum said:

Posted by sombreuil_mongrel (My Page) on
Fri, Apr 13, 12 at 19:32

Denatured alcohol will dissolve latex paint. So will xylol (goof-off's main ingredient). Lacquer thinner is "hotter" still and can as the name implies remove lacquer and soften most paints. Use that as a last resort.
Casey

I've never tried it, but I also have heard that boiling will take off paint from metal.

This might sound weird, but the best way is to use an old crock pot. Fill it with water and a small amount of dish soap. Turn on low overnight. The paint will gently peel off like meat falling off the bone. You can use a brush to gently scrub it. Don't use the crock pot for cooking again in case there is lead paint.

I saw it on an episode of This Old House and it worked great for old window hardware, hinges, etc. for us. Good luck!

I've used a low pressure sandblaster to remove coats of paint from my old sconces. I know it isn't for everyone especially if you're worried about what the original material is. But it has worked great for me on a few in the house.

I second (or third) the crockpot. I have used it many times to remove multiple layers of old paint off of metal parts...hinges, knobs, door plates, etc. I usually add a bit of dishwasher soap or TSP to the brew. It may take a few days, but it really does work. BUT with lights, you have the wires to worry about. I suppose if they are going to be rewired it would not be an issue.