What is the best way to remove old paint from metal?

When restoring coatings of any kind of metal surfaces, it is necessary to remove old paint. To understand how to remove old paint from metal and what resources are needed for this, you should consider and compare all existing cleaning methods.

Manual removal of paint from a metal surface is not an easy task, because the creators of dyes are constantly improving the quality of their product, increasing their resistance and resistance to external influences. The thermal method is also not without drawbacks, there is only one option - removal by chemical washing. Manufacturers of coatings also took care of this by creating special solvents that can be used to get rid of old paint quickly and easily.

Building hair dryer

Thermal method

This method involves the use of a blowtorch. The surface is heated until the paintwork gradually begins to peel off, after which it is easily removed with a metal brush or spatula.

Tip

To avoid deformation, do not use the temperature cleaning method for sheet iron. It is also unacceptable for galvanized sheets and cast iron - this can violate the integrity of the products.

Among the advantages of the method is time saving compared to conventional mechanical removal. The disadvantages are fire hazard and the restriction on the type of treated surfaces. In addition, this is a rather crude way: as a result of the operation of a blowtorch, scale forms on the surface of the product, which must be removed by grinding and polishing.

Mechanical method

A simple method, which involves removing the old paint layer with sandpaper, metal brush or power tools. The manual method is applicable for a small area of ​​the treated surface. In more complex cases, you can use a grinder or drill with nozzles to remove paint residues. In general, this method of cleaning a metal surface requires a lot of time and physical effort, so it is better to use the chemical option.

The result of the wash

Chemical method

This is the best option for removing dyes from a metal surface. Funds are safe provided that they are used in accordance with the instructions, have high efficiency and ease of use.

They can be divided into the following varieties:

1. means for removing water-based paints;
2. substances intended for the removal of alkyd, oil, acrylic, urea-formaldehyde, melamine-alkyd, petroleum, perchlorovinyl, bituminous, polyurethane, epoxy, latex and other coatings, primers and putties;
3. solutions for removing powder dye from metal and other surfaces;
4. universal paint removers.

Metal paint removers

Modern chemical products for removing paint have a more advanced formula compared to previously used ones. They contain paraffin with wax, slowing the evaporation of the product. Rinses are used more economically because less money is required to remove several layers of the coating.

Most of the washings can be removed from the treated surface with plain tap water or soapy water. But some products require rinsing with organic solvents, such as kerosene or acetone.

Instead of paraffin, gel washes contain several different solvents.Such products, having significant density, dry much more slowly. At the same time, they can be applied to any kind of surfaces, whether vertical, horizontal or ceiling (cleaned from water-based coatings).

Tip

If the thickness of the paintwork in one layer is sufficient to apply a gel wash for 20 minutes, and then remove with a spatula.

There are many similar tools on sale:

• BOSNY Paint Remover;
• Body 700;
• Hi-Gear Quik & Safe Paint & Gasket Remover;
• Kompozit SP-6;
• ABRO Paint Remover;
• "The top of the B-52";
• "Universal washing" from "Petrochem";
• "Prestige" and others.

They are different in composition, consistency and effectiveness and are presented in different forms: gel, aerosol, liquid. Aerosols are easy to use and effective. When applied to the surface, the product works quickly, capturing several layers in depth.

Tip

Usually, consumers, before buying a wash, want to calculate the required amount of paint remover. It is equal to the amount of dye spent on surface treatment, that is, the wash layer should approximately correspond to the layer of old paint.

Flushing technology

The bulk of such products contains organic solvents, fumes of which are harmful to the human respiratory system. In addition, you should avoid getting the wash on the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, as well as on unprotected skin.

To use a paint remover, you must prepare:

• brush or roller (if the product is not in an aerosol);
• a wash;
• protective glasses;
• respirator;
• protective gloves;
• sand paper;
• metal brush, putty knife.

The process of applying paint remover is carried out according to the following algorithm.

1. Before removing paint from the metal, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the surface from contamination.
2. Using a roller, brush (or aerosol), apply a wash on the entire surface to be treated. It is believed that the use of the gel is much more effective, since it is easier to evenly distribute over the entire area of ​​the subject.
3. To speed up the process, cover the wash layer with plastic wrap.
4. Observe time, guided by the instructions for use (about 20 minutes).
5. After time, remove the polyethylene and use a spatula to remove the layer of swollen paint.
6. Carefully inspect the surface for dye residues. If there are small "islands", then you can carefully scrape them off with a brush manually. If necessary, re-apply the solvent.
7. The surface freed from paint must be treated using the product specified in the manual, for example mineral kerosene.

Coat the item with an anti-corrosion agent. After that, the product is ready for applying a new paintwork.

Powder paint removal

For processing large batches of products, powder paint is usually used. Parts coated with such enamel have durability, as well as high corrosion and mechanical resistance. For the cold removal of such a dye, a fast and highly effective agent for dissolving polyester and epoxy polyester coatings on metal surfaces is used. Due to its liquid form, the product quickly destroys powder paint.

This wash is a mixture of organic solvents and surfactants. To dissolve the paint, small parts are completely immersed in the composition. The duration of the wash from a few minutes to a day, depending on the thickness of the paint layer and the type of coating. In this case, exfoliated particles of old paint turn into powder and settle on the bottom. After that, the product is removed and washed with plain water.

Thus, you can effortlessly clean your own metal surface from any type of paintwork. To do this, you must carefully read the instructions for use and follow all precautions when working with chemicals.When choosing an effective cleanser, it is better to prefer a trusted brand.