What is the best way to remove paint from a data plate without doing any damage to it. I do not want to remove it from the car.

 

A chemical paint remover such as Zip-Strip should do the job.

 

Paint stripper.
Do not use an abrasive of any kind.

 

why not try the old paper and pencil tracing

 

DOT 3 brake fluid will soften and lift the paint. Just use it sparingly so it doesn’t effect the area you want to keep painted.

 

Acetone, wet a rag then wipe across the surface, it evaporates fast so it might take a few wipes. I would wipe off just enough to be able to read what's on it.

 

Let it soak

 

Clean it and the area around it, tape off around it good and simply use paint remover..brush on, let sit, wipe off with disposable rag, repeat till its clean..may take two possibly three times..then wipe it off with paint thinner or acetone, easy peasy