If the goof-off took it off - I'd imagine Zip Strip or acetone / xylene may also work.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I can strip it off. My question was more to do with whether the final results will be acceptable or whether it will look horrible because the underlying stainless finish was not meant to be naked or something.....

Or maybe the underlying finish really isn't proper stainless but some kind of stainless-looking veneer that isn't intended to be exposed like that.

I just don't want to go through all the work of stripping it to find out that I only made things worse and so was wondering if anyone else had experience stripping off the clear coat from a stainless appliance and how the results looked.

Would clear spray paint for cars do any good?

3M makes an appliance wrap called di-noc in the color stainless steel you may want to order a color sample and if its good wrap the fridge.

Interesting. That might be a good backstop option if I completely botch the effort to remove the existing clearcoat.

Really I just need to make the thing look presentable for when we show the house. Beyond that I don't really care.

Strip the clear coat, clean with metal prep (phosphoric acid based cleaner -- read and follow all safety instructions, then if you want, respray with new clearcoat. (The only reason I can think of for not leaving the stainless naked is that it might not be a 300 series alloy and could be more susceptible to finger print tarnish that would require intermittent phosphoric acid cleaning.) Automotive clearcoats should work, but advice from and/or employment of a body shop may be the better path.

kas

Have you tried an oily stainless appliance cleaner? Go with the grain.

Reviving this thread 'cause I'm in serious trouble with DH. I sanded out a scratch in the clear coat and it didn't go well. I've tried a solution with phosphoric acid and that did nothing to remove the clear coat. I have an LG fridge. I can keep sanding with fine grit sandpaper until I get down to the stainless steel, but can anyone recommend a product that removes the clear coat? All positive responses gratefully accepted - but please don't tell me how I should have done it, or that I'm an idiot for doing it - I've already figured that out. Thanks.

Depends on the clearcoat chemistry. If lacquer, then lacquer reducer may work. (Test nail polish remover in an inconspicuous place.) If a catalyzed paint, then "aircraft" paint remover. Both will need very good levels of fresh air replacement and adequate personal protective gear.

Phosphoric acid is for de rusting steel; it has little effect on coatings.

I did try nail polish remover and that didn't take it off. The "aircraft" paint remover doesn't have very positive reviews. Have you used it with good results?

Husband rubbed off the clear coat on one small spo on my fridge. I think there is no fix but wondered if yours continued to peel.

We sold the house 5 years ago with the fridge in it so I have no idea! If you want to restore it back to pristine I think the only solution is to buy replacement fridge doors which is very expensive but not as expensive as a new fridge

LOL, yes, that's what I ended up doing. I got the old one looking decent enough, but it's in our cottage that we rent out and wasn't happy with it, so, new one it was. Not as expensive as I had feared and easy to replace!

LG chat told me to use Cerema Bryte Appliance Cleaner to remove clear coat, but I haven't tried it yet...

Goo Gone oven and grill cleaner caused the initial splotches on my fridge; I'm tempted to use that, lol

Good to know - let me know if it works. Cheaper than replacing for sure! Cost on LG site is now $260 - ouch!