Stripping paint
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==Methods of stripping paint== | ==Methods of stripping paint== | ||
===Chemical=== | ===Chemical=== | ||
| − | There | + | There are a few effective brands of chemicals for stripping paint from vehicles. However, this practice may be inappropriate for novices, as these strippers are messy unless you know a few basic techniques. They can also be acidic and toxic, so wear gloves. |
First, take the vehicle or part to be stripped to a well-ventilated area (outside is ideal). ''(Should a respirator be used? Some people are saying that makes it even worse.)'' | First, take the vehicle or part to be stripped to a well-ventilated area (outside is ideal). ''(Should a respirator be used? Some people are saying that makes it even worse.)'' | ||
| − | These chemical strippers are more commonly used on hoods, roofs, and trunk lids as they need to be left alone after applying. some strippers would just run if put on a vertical panel, and thus would be somewhat ineffective. | + | These chemical strippers are more commonly used on hoods, roofs, and trunk lids as they need to be left alone after applying. some strippers would just run if put on a vertical panel, and thus would be somewhat ineffective. So, find one with the viscosity of mayonnaise, and use tar paper on floor where paint can fall; this makes cleanup much easier |
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All areas besides the areas you want to strip should be properly masked or removed. Stripper could seep behind a molding and be problematic later. Stripper will damage plastic lenses. | All areas besides the areas you want to strip should be properly masked or removed. Stripper could seep behind a molding and be problematic later. Stripper will damage plastic lenses. | ||
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After paint has lifted, scoop it up with a putty knife or credit card, and discard the paint/stripper mixture into a cardboard box. Don't get any on your skin -- it burns. If you do, wash it off IMMEDIATELY with water. | After paint has lifted, scoop it up with a putty knife or credit card, and discard the paint/stripper mixture into a cardboard box. Don't get any on your skin -- it burns. If you do, wash it off IMMEDIATELY with water. | ||
| − | Once you've scooped up most of the mixture, wash off the rest with | + | Once you've scooped up most of the mixture, wash off the rest with lacquer thinner and a red scuff pad. It will dilute the stripper and render it less volatile. Then, pull off the three layers of tape covering the gaps; the paint underneth will be softened up just scrape it up with a razor scraper. |
| − | Wipe underneath the hood or trunk before reaching under it. Stripper will surely have seeped there and leave you with a nasty surprise | + | Wipe underneath the hood or trunk before reaching under it. Stripper will surely have seeped there and leave you with a nasty surprise if you don't seal the gaps with tape. |
| − | After the area has been washed off, wipe it dry with a clean cloth and wax & grease remover. Remove any remaining paint or primer with an orbital sander using 40 to 80 grit. See [[Stripping paint#Orbital sander|Orbital sander]] below.Always use gloves when working with bare metal | + | After the area has been washed off, wipe it dry with a clean cloth and wax & grease remover. Remove any remaining paint or primer with an orbital sander using 40 to 80 grit. See [[Stripping paint#Orbital sander|Orbital sander]] below. Always use gloves when working with bare metal -- the oils in your hands will instantly start the rusting process, even under the primer. |
| − | ==== | + | ====Lacquer paint==== |
| − | + | When used on lacquer paint, chemical stripper will run and make a big mess. You should be ready to catch it with masking paper taped to the car, and by pushing the soupy paint onto the paper and pulling the paper off as you go and throwing it away. Lacquer paint can be stripped by soaking clean rags in lacquer thinner, applying them to the vehicle, and then leaving them there a while in a well-ventilated area. Covering the rags with plastic also helps, and keeps the thinner from evaporating too quickly. You can scrape the softened paint off with a razor scraper. | |
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| + | ====Stripping a roof==== | ||
| + | Surrounding areas should be properly masked with several layers of tape and masking paper, as stripper will work its way through tape glue. Just scrape the mess onto one layer of paper and pull it off; the sheet underneth will be ready when its needed. | ||
| − | === | + | ====Stripping a hood==== |
| − | + | Pop the hood and slip lengths of cardboard half a foot underneath it, all around the perimeter. Or, put three layers of 3/4" masking tape over the gaps so the stripper doesn't get down into engine compartment. Close the hood tightly. | |
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| − | + | ====Stripping a trunk==== | |
| + | Same as hood. Tie weight to the latch to keep the trunk from rising, or tape with the same three layers and close the deck tightly -- the three layers of masking paper at the back edge of the deck and push the mess onto the paper then pull the layer off and throw in trash. | ||
| − | + | ===Chemical paint strippers==== | |
| + | *Aircraft stripper (blue can) | ||
| + | *XXX paint stripper (black can with red X's) | ||
| − | + | ===Mechanical=== | |
| − | + | ====Razor blade scraper==== | |
| − | + | There are instances where using a 4" flooring razor blade scraper or smaller razor scrapers made for body and paint work will be the quickest way to remove a layer of paint. However, if the paint has properly adhered to the primer, using the blade might not be possible. Once paint has been removed, you may want to remove the rest of primer and areas of paint that were not possible to remove with the blade . | |
| − | + | Never start off with a used blade -- nicks will scratch deeply in the metal. As soon as you get a dig, change the blade. Try using straight back blades for body work -- if the ends of the blade are rounded (slightly) from use it will keep you from gouging the metal. An excellent way to start is by rubbing the new blade quickly back and forth over glass like you're trying to scrape off overspray; this removes small burrs in new blades | |
| − | You will need to use both sides of the blade by switching sides often. | + | *You will have to pay attention to the way the body curves. |
| + | *Use two hands and steady amount of pressure & the paint will fly off in tiny little chips. | ||
| + | *Keeping the proper angle to the surface is critical. | ||
| + | *It seems that if you try not to take too big of a bite and try to make b "C" shapes or curves, it lets the paint come off easier. | ||
| + | *You will need to use both sides of the blade by switching sides often. This keeps the blade from getting too dull to get under the paint. | ||
| − | Keep in mind this method is only used for extremely thick | + | Keep in mind this method is only used for extremely thick or old paint that is already peeling off. |
Gloves ,Eye protection & a dust mask are mandatory. | Gloves ,Eye protection & a dust mask are mandatory. | ||
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