Metal paint remover: how to choose the right one

It is impossible to qualitatively restore a metal structure without removing the old coating. Therefore, it is necessary to pre-clean, which guarantees a uniform application of a new layer and increases its adhesion to the treated surface. It also improves the appearance of the substrate and guarantees long-term protection against corrosion. There are effective methods that can help you remove old paint from metal without too much difficulty, so it is worth considering each and choosing the one that best suits the situation.

Features of cleaning metal from paint

Cleaning metal from old paint involves the use of various tools and means. Regardless of which of the methods is chosen, some features of the procedure must be taken into account.

The main factors to look out for are:

• type of paint;
• properties of the metal to be cleaned;
• the thickness of the old layer;
• follow-up actions at the end of cleaning.

When removing the old coating from the metal, vapors or dust may form, which is harmful to health, therefore, a respirator, gloves and safety glasses must be used. Chemicals should be used to wash off the old layer in accordance with the instructions for their use.

Methods for removing old paint from metal

There are several ways to quickly remove old paint from metal. Each of them involves the use of certain tools and means. Therefore, it is important to prepare everything in advance so that in the process of work everything you need is at hand.

Basic cleaning methods:

1. Mechanical... In this case, you can remove the old paint from the metal surface with such improvised means as sandpaper, a spatula, and a metal brush. Power tools help to significantly speed up the process - a grinder, a drill with a nozzle, a sandblasting machine. The advantage of this method is that it does not require certain skills and additional costs. But its disadvantages include an increased likelihood of damage to the base, laboriousness and strong dustiness.
2. Chemical... In this case, removing the old paint from the metal is carried out using a special liquid, powder or gel. This implies additional costs for its purchase, but it significantly saves time and helps to remove old paint without much difficulty.
3. Thermal... The essence of this method is to heat the paint to such a temperature that it begins to flake off. After that, it can be easily removed with a spatula. This method does not require much time and additional costs, but it is also not always effective.This is due to the fact that not every metal retains heat, so the paint simply does not have time to melt so that it can be removed.

How to thermally remove paint from metal

In this case, the heating of the paint is carried out using a construction hair dryer, a gas burner or a blowtorch. In the process of work, the old coating softens and it must be immediately removed with a spatula. This method is based on the fact that, under the influence of high temperature, the adhesion between the old paint and the base temporarily disappears, so you need to act smoothly and quickly.

Features of cleaning:

1. All work must be carried out in the fresh air or in a well-ventilated area, as toxic fumes are emitted when heated.
2. If possible, it is worth dismantling the metal structure, and if this is not possible, then you should make sure that adjacent parts will not suffer from high temperatures.
3. It is worth removing all unnecessary around, and, if necessary, protect the adjacent surfaces with asbestos plates.
4. The processed product should be thoroughly washed from dust and dirt, and dried.
5. Prepare heater, brush and spatula in advance, and wear protective equipment.
6. Heat the surface evenly. Start by covering a large area and then aiming the instrument alternately at individual locations.
7. At the same time, when heating, you need to use a spatula or a metal brush when the old layer softens well. Therefore, it is important that all actions are consistent.

The final cleaning must be done with a special solvent for removing paint from metal. It is important that the surface has time to cool sufficiently.

How to chemically clean old paint from metal

This method involves the use of chemicals to remove paint from metal. This allows you to significantly reduce the procedure time and carry out high-quality cleaning. This method is based on the fact that when the wash is applied to the surface, it penetrates the paint and destroys its structure. As a result, the old layer softens, swells and can be easily removed with a spatula.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Thoroughly clean the surface to be treated from dust and other contaminants, dry and degrease.
2. Apply a chemical paint remover to metal in a thick, even coat.
3. Cover the surface with polyethylene to enhance the action of the wash.
4. Wait for the time specified in the instructions.
5. Remove swollen paint with a spatula or brush.
6. Additionally, sand the metal surface with sandpaper.
7. Remove chemical residues with acetone or another solvent.

The main disadvantage of this method is the increased emission of toxic fumes, so do not forget about protective equipment and ventilation in order to avoid serious health complications.

How to remove paint from metal mechanically

In this case, you can use a drill, grinder or grinder. The main thing is to choose suitable nozzles for removing paint from abrasive metal. And to clean hard-to-reach places, you should use sandpaper, a brush.

If the old layer is swollen and peeled off in many places under the influence of rust, then a knife and a spatula will help to remove it without much difficulty. The main thing is to carry out a thorough cleaning of residues and anti-corrosion treatment before applying a new coating.

Basic rules for mechanical removal of old paint:

1. Before starting work, you must first prepare the necessary tool, free up space and remove all unnecessary.
2. Wear safety glasses, gloves and a respirator.
3. It is worth starting cleaning from the selected area, systematically moving on, leaving no gaps.
4. Depending on the thickness of the paint layer, it is worth using different nozzles so as not to damage the base.
5. It is recommended to wet the surface to be treated when cleaning with brushes, flap wheels or discs. This will prevent dust from spreading.
6. When using a sander, you need to constantly change the grit size of the emery material. For removing the top layer of paint, coarse grains in the abrasive are suitable - 80, and for the final cleaning of the base - 320-240.

Sandblasting will help significantly speed up the process. It is carried out using a jet of quartz sand, which is pushed out by a strong stream of air under pressure. This helps to remove not only paint but also rust. But in order not to damage the metal, its thickness should be at least 2-3 mm. This method allows you to rent 10-12 sq. cm of coverage in 1 min. Its disadvantage is the increased cost of equipment. Also, when working with him, you need to have some experience and skill.

How to remove various types of paint from metal

Methods and liquids for removing paint from metal should be used according to the type of coating. Otherwise, they may be ineffective. As a result, time and money will be spent, and the desired result will not be achieved.

How to wash acrylic paint from metal

Dealing with acrylic is easy. In this case, several methods can be used depending on the thickness of the layer and the time available for cleaning.

In a small area, you can remove old acrylic paint using any sharp object: a knife, spatula or a special metal brush. At the end of the procedure, it is recommended to carry out a final polishing of the surface with sandpaper.

To dissolve the remnants of old paint from metal will help:

• White Spirit;
• kerosene;
• acetone;
• refined gasoline.

You can also remove acrylic paint from metal using a hot soapy solution with the addition of alcohol, since this component destroys the structure of the coating. For processing, you will need to abundantly moisten the sponge in the prepared liquid and apply it evenly on the surface to be treated, cover with polyethylene for 30 minutes. After the time has elapsed, remove the top layer with a spatula. Repeat the procedure until the paint is completely removed.

You can clean it faster with a special liquid for removing acrylic paint from metal. If you wish, you can use the Abbeizer labeled POLI-R.

Washing principle:

1. Mix the product thoroughly.
2. Apply this metal paint remover to the surface to be treated evenly with a brush.
3. Wait 5-10 minutes, remove the peeled layer of old paint.
4. Repeat if necessary.

Use the wash only in a well-ventilated area.

How to remove powder paint from metal

Powder dyes have a higher level of stability and adhesion, so more effort is needed to remove them from metal. In this case, mechanical and thermal effects must be completely excluded, since these methods will be useless.To remove old powder paint from metal, use special chemical removers for this type of coating.

Procedure:

1. Wash off dust and dirt from the metal surface, and then dry it thoroughly.
2. Apply the remover with a brush to the entire surface of the product, and if it is small, then completely immerse it in the working solution.
3. The layer must be constantly renewed or stirred until the old paint completely swells.
4. Wait 20 minutes.
5. With a spatula, remove the exfoliated areas of the coating.
6. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
7. Remove residues of the wash with sodium phosphate or its solution.

How to remove oil-based paint from metal

To remove the old layer of oil paint, mechanical and thermal cleaning methods can be used, or an appropriate chemical agent can be selected.

In the first case, it is recommended to use a drill with attachments to remove the top layer, and for the final cleaning, use sandpaper or a brush.

In the second case, a construction hairdryer and a spatula will help to quickly cope with the problem. You need to remove the old paint step by step in layers so as not to damage the base. And for the final cleaning of the surface, use fine-grained sandpaper.

You can also quickly remove the old oil coating from the metal with the help of special chemical compounds. In this case, you need to apply the solution in an even layer, wait 20-30 minutes, and then gradually remove the exfoliated areas. Use remover until the entire surface is clean.

How to remove latex paint from metal surfaces

You can remove latex paint from metal using a thermal method, as well as using white spirit.

The surface must be heated with a building hair dryer until the old coating begins to bubble. Then you need to remove it with a spatula and sand the remnants with sandpaper.

When using the second option, you should abundantly moisten any rag or sponge in White Spirit and apply the product to the surface to be treated. Cover it with polyethylene on top and leave it that way for 30-40 minutes. After the time has elapsed, scrape off the softened latex paint with a spatula. If necessary, repeat the procedure several times.

How to choose a metal paint remover

All chemical paint strippers are specialized and universal. The former are designed to remove a certain type of coating. The latter are used for different types of dyes, but they do not immediately clean the old layer, which requires a higher liquid consumption.

The main types of washes, depending on the consistency and method of application:

• liquid - used on flat surfaces;
• gels - are distinguished by a dense composition, which reduces the number of treatments during cleaning;
• sprays - effective for vertical surfaces, cover large areas, require spraying at a distance of 25-30 cm;
• pasty - used to remove old coatings on surfaces with various recesses and depressions.

All washes are subdivided into acidic, alkaline and organic, depending on what active components they contain. To avoid unpleasant surprises, you should give preference to the latter type, since it does not contain alkalis and acids.

The most effective and safest chemicals:

1. «ABRO PR-600". The liquid is produced as a spray. Effective in removing epoxy, acrylic and polyurethane coatings. The duration of exposure is 10-20 minutes. depending on the layer thickness. This product is completely safe, as it does not contain aggressive components in the composition.
   
2. «Flush SP-7". Used to remove old oil, alkyd, acrylic and epoxy paint from metal. The wash quickly penetrates the coating structure, destroys adhesion and helps to remove corrosion.
   

Any remover acts until complete evaporation, so some manufacturers add paraffin or wax to the composition, which improves its effect. But this feature negatively affects the adhesion of the metal, so the remnants of the product should be carefully cleaned, otherwise the new coating will not be able to fully fix. Any organic solvent must be used to remove wax residues.

Conclusion

Using special tools and compounds, you can remove old paint from metal without much difficulty. But it is not always possible to achieve the desired result immediately, so you should be patient and repeat the cleaning until the residues are completely removed.

The main thing is to observe safety measures and take into account the type of coating so as not to damage the base.