How to Get Paint Off of a Horseshoe

Horseshoes are hung in homes and yards, either for good luck or rustic appeal, and are also used in a variety of arts, crafts and recreational activities, including the classic game horseshoes. Painting horseshoes adds color and easy-identification to the horseshoes you use in your projects. Taking the time to remove old paint from a horseshoe before applying a new coat will result in a much smoother, professionally finished product.

Metal putty knife
Wire brush
Large pot
Mild detergent
Paint remover

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the horseshoe with warm water and mild detergent to remove any dirt or debris. Ordinary dish soap works fine.
- 2
  Remove as much excess paint as you can using a metal putty knife or a wire brush. Rinse the horseshoe to remove any paint chips.
- 3
  Boil the horseshoe and a teaspoon of detergent in a large pot with one-half to 1 quart of water. Let the horseshoe boil for at least 30 minutes. The horseshoe is ready when the paint is malleable and can be scraped off with a butter knife, putty knife or wire brush.
- 4
  Remove as much paint as you can. Use gloves when removing paint to avoid burning your hands. Rinse the horseshoe to remove paint chips.
- 5
  Coat the horseshoe with paint remover, also known as paint stripper. Use liquid, pour-on paint remover if you are removing just one or two layers of paint, and use brush-on paste paint stripper if you are removing multiple layers. Follow the directions included with the paint remover.
- 6
  Rinse the paint remover from the horseshoe. Repeat the process with the paint remover if residual paint remains.

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