I have been working on restoring and cleaning up a Hart #4. The trap had old white paint that was discolored from age splattered on the frame, pan and jaws. The paint had really hardened and stuck to the steel. I found a product called Safest Stripper that worked well and did not hurt the trap patina. It is a safe to use stripper with no harmful fumes. I applied the stripper with a tooth brush to work it into the hard to reach areas. I removed the paint with a brass brush (Cohunt taught me to use brass ) wiped with a clean cloth and repeated the process. It took some elbow grease but the paint disappeared. I used Liquid Wrench to clean the residue from the trap. I am by no means a trap restoration expert but I wanted to share something that worked well for me.

Look good Pete.

Sounds like you got some good advice Trapper Pete. Great trap to own and it looks great too!

Hey Pete have you been finding me anymore Northwoods in the thrift stores out there? Nice looking Hart trap.

Jeff, No thrift store finds of late but I am always on the hunt.