How to Restore Vintage License Plates

Pour the paint stripper into a plastic bucket, while wearing rubber gloves that protect your hands. Drop the license plate in the bucket and let sit for ten minutes. Remove the plate and check for signs of peeling paint. If the license plate still has a healthy coat of paint, then place back in the bucket, checking every five to 10 minutes.

Set two concrete blocks on a flat surface and place the license plate on top with the edges touching the blocks. Gently press down on the top of the license plate, pushing out any dents or bends in it. Adjust how the plate sits on the blocks and push out any other dents.

Dip the foam paintbrush in the automotive etching primer and apply an even coat of the primer to the surface of the license plate. The primer protects the bare metal and creates a smooth surface for the paint. Wait until the automotive primer dries.

Paint over the entire license plate with white automotive paint, using the foam paintbrush. Coat all areas of the license plate and paint over the letters and numbers. Wait until the automotive paint dries and add a second coat if you want a deeper color.

Use the thin artist brushes and paint the letters and numbers on the license plate with a black automotive paint. Keep your hand steady and use small and even strokes as you carefully paint. Apply a thin coating of spray sealant that protects the license plate from future damage and keeps the paint from peeling.