[PaulFolbrecht]

I bought a pair of Wright 2A3 monos.  Seller encased them directly in tight foam blocks without putting them in bags or plastic first.  The output transformer laminates are now tightly packed with foam residue.  Cleaning with water doesn't help.  Acetone will take the finish off.  I am not anal about cosmetics but they look quite terrible and so the resale value is certainly lowered.  Any ideas?  Photo is an amp I tried cleaning with water & a brush for 10 minutes - it looks as bad as when I started.

[SteveFord]

Someone suggested Goo Gone or lighter fluid - they might do the trick.

[PaulFolbrecht]

Trick is finding something that'll dissolve the styrofoam but not the finish.  Thanks, I'll do some research on those.

[Ericus Rex]

Are those the actual laminations the gunk is on?  If so, you need to be very careful about not removing the insulating shellac (or whatever they manufacturer used).  The three things that come to mind that would take it off are Mineral Spirits, Naptha and Xylene.  Which of those would be the safest for a painted surface I don't know.  I'm pretty sure xylene is safe for SOME varnishes.

[PaulFolbrecht]

Yup, actual laminations.  Thanks for the suggestions - that's good info.

[SteveFord]

I believe that lighter fluid is naptha.
Let us know what works, please.

[PaulFolbrecht]

I believe that lighter fluid is naptha.
Let us know what works, please.

The question is will I get it off without damage??  I've confirmed that acetone WILL take the finish/shellac right off so that's out.

[Ericus Rex]

I think all the chemical suggestions so far will dissolve shellac, no idea about goo gone.  You've altered the transformer if you dissolve the shellac.  Can you return them to the seller?  I think you have the right given the damage.

[TrungT]

WD40

WD40 website:

What surfaces or materials are OK to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product on?

WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used on just about everything. It is safe to use on metal, rubber, wood and plastic. It can also be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40 Multi-Use Product.

[Ericus Rex]

WD40

WD40 website:

Interesting suggestion.  I have some shellac flake and WD40 at work.  If I get a chance I'll spray some flakes and see what happens.

[FullRangeMan]

I used WD40 inside a remote control in a rusted metal coil, and it damaged/blur the plastic and dont removed the rust.

For this transformer I would just rub the finger and remove it manually, liquids/fluids inside a trafo is not good
2 cents,

[rollo]

I used WD40 inside a remote control in a rusted metal coil, and it damaged/blur the plastic and dont removed the rust.

For this transformer I would just rub the finger and remove it manually, liquids/fluids inside a trafo is not good
2 cents,

  Air compressor maybe ? Blow the suckers away.


charles

[Ericus Rex]

So, WD-40 does not dissolve shellac.  Neither does turpentine or mineral spirits (although these are very bad for paint).  We can't say for sure that the insulation between laminations is actually shellac - traditionally, yes, shellac is used but there are many cheaper and faster-drying options now.  I asked a buddy at work about this and he suggested first trying some cooking oil.  It should be fine on paint as long as you clean it off really well with soapy water right away.  If that doesn't work, then move on to the WD-40.  If that doesn't work then take you pick of the other more risky options.

Best of luck!