paint marks on a gas fire (log burner type)

[My Angel Pie]

my other half has painted the lounge recently and didn't cover the log burner type gas fire, so i have many small splash marks, how do i remove it without damaging the matt black metal finish, not sure if white spirit will 'rust' it? any ideas?

[steve.haywar]

If it is just emulsion paint it should come off with water.

White spirit won't cause it to rust!

[heathfield]

If it's emulsion paint and fully dry, try using sideways pressure from the sharp square edge of a cut piece of wood to flake the paint off first. Start on an inconspicuous area to make sure doing it doesn't mark the black.

Or, following Steve's advice, apply a wet piece of kitchen paper towel for a few hours, keeping it wet. This should soften the paint and allow it to be rubbed off with a cloth.

[EDLEE]

At worst you will only scuff the black paint a little using the above methods. If they don't work just sand off the offending paint, lightly sand the rest . Then send the culprit off for some High temp flat black paint ( in a spray can) . After he ( or she) has properly masked and covered the surrounding area simply repaint . You might find this to be the simplest solution from the start.