Hi Larry!
I ran into the same situation some time ago...
I used some acetone with a rag, starting at the area where there was plastic already peeling off the SS... Man - did that plastic come off with ease!!! Just be careful not to breathe too much of the acetone as you probably already know!!! In other words, I suggest adequate ventilation!!! Still, It's gotta be better than burning the layer off!!!
Ya gotta love that SS GMAW-P when it's set just right!!!
Anywho, I hope this helps.
Respectfully,
SSBN727
Run Silent... Run Deep!!!