Reliable methods and means for removing paint from metal

Often a person is faced with the need to remove paint from metal. Any coloring composition deteriorates over time, and rust may appear through it.

Sometimes paint stains appear on the surface of a product by accident. To cope with the task, you need to act carefully, following the advice of professionals.

From this article you will learn how to remove the old paint from metal at home.

Preparatory stage

Before you start work, you need to prepare properly. This complex includes:

1. Purchase of tools and household chemicals. Depending on the chosen cleaning method, you will need: a grinding machine, a hair dryer, paint remover, a spatula, kerosene, a brush, etc.
2. Protect surrounding objects from dust and other contaminants. For this, polyethylene film is used.
3. Prepare personal protective equipment. The classic set includes: gloves, construction glasses, respirator.
4. Prepare the metal surface for upcoming cleaning. Dust and other contaminants are removed from it. If household chemicals are used, you can clean the paint with a stiff-bristled brush. This will increase solvent diffusion and speed up the reaction.

When all the preparatory steps are completed, you can begin to work.

How to remove old paint from a metal surface?

There are three main ways to remove paint from metal:

1. Mechanical. The composition is cleaned off by applying physical force.
2. Thermal. The coating is softened using high temperatures, after which it is removed using improvised means (most often with a spatula).
3. Chemical. Special washes and solvents are used.

Sometimes a combination of several methods is required.

How can I remove it mechanically?

The tools that are used to remove paint from metal surfaces are:

• drill;
• Bulgarian;
• Grinder;
• putty knife.

The most important point is choosing the right attachment for your power tool. Priority – abrasive coatings.

Options for cord brushes for drills:

1. Radial. They are used to remove paint from hard-to-reach areas, such as inside a pipe.
2. Cylindrical. They are narrow, they are convenient for cleaning off paint in the spaces between the elements of heating radiators in the apartment.
3. Disk. They are suitable for cleaning flat surfaces.
4. Cupped. They are used for rough work when a thick layer needs to be removed.

Options for wheels for grinders and grinders:

1. petal circle. It is used when an additional layer of metal needs to be removed along with the paint.
2. CD non-woven grinding wheels. They are suitable for carefully removing coatings. The resulting scratches can be easily covered with a subsequent coat of paint.
3. Cibo grinding wheels. These attachments have a smaller abrasive grain and thin nylon thread, so they work more delicately. These are the circles that are used if you only need to remove the top layer of paint without damaging the metal surface.

To work out corners, bends and small details, manual labor is indispensable. To do this, resort to sandpaper and a metal spatula.

Mode of application:

• the selected tool is included in the network;
• holding it at an acute angle to the surface, strip the paint;
• if the layer is thick, then use coarse nozzles with coarse abrasive; as the work progresses, they are changed;
• so that less dust is generated during cleaning, the surface is sprayed with water - it is convenient to use a sprayer for this;
• hard-to-reach places are passed manually using sandpaper.

Mechanical cleaning is accompanied by the appearance of a large amount of dust and chips. Therefore, it is imperative to protect your eyes with plastic glasses that fit tightly to your face.

Heat treatment at home

The principle of this method is to remove the coating at high temperatures. Under their influence, it begins to melt, making it easy to remove with a spatula or spatula.

Tools that can be used:

1. Construction hair dryer. It is he who should be given preference when carrying out work.
2. Blowtorch. It is a source of open flame. Under its influence, the paint burns. All that remains is to clean it off with a brush.
3. Iron. They heat the surface of the metal through some material, for example, through foil. This method will only work on small surfaces. The method is considered the most labor-intensive and ineffective.

Paint removal method:

• remove all unnecessary objects - there should be nothing on the working area except the surface being worked on;
• remove dust and dirt from metal;
• prepare a heating device;
• heat the paint evenly around the entire perimeter of the metal product, then you can begin to work on individual zones;
• The softened composition is cleaned off with a brush or spatula.

There may still be paint left on the metal surface after cleaning is complete. It is removed with a solvent. It can be applied only after the product has completely cooled.

How to quickly clean using chemicals?

What else can I use to remove paint? Using professional removers allows you to quickly get rid of the coloring composition, regardless of its type.

In practice, various solvents are used, including:

1. Aerosol KUDO. The cost of 520 ml is 230 rubles.
2. Aerosol Veslee Remover. The cost of a 450 ml composition is 180 rubles.
3. Syntirol remover. For 1 kg of product you will need to pay 470 rubles.

Mode of application:

1. Wash off all contaminants from the surface to be cleaned.
2. Cover areas that do not need treatment with plastic wrap.
3. Apply chemical reagent. It is most convenient to use aerosol cans.

   The usual remover is poured into a suitable container and spread over the metal using a paint brush.

4. Leave the composition to act. The exact time is indicated in the instructions for use for the selected product. It can range from several minutes to several hours.
5. The swollen layer is removed using a spatula and a brush with stiff bristles.
6. Wash the metal surface with a solvent, for example gasoline, and then with water.

All washes have a strong odor, so you need to work with them outdoors or in rooms with good ventilation.

How to remove from the gate?

To remove paint from metal gates, you need to perform the following algorithm of actions:

• remove all contaminants from the metal surface;
• walk around the gate with a grinder - you need to choose the nozzle depending on the number of layers of paint;
• work hard-to-reach places (joints, welds, hinges) using a brush with metal bristles;
• Apply a solvent to the surface of the gate - this will get rid of any remaining paint and degrease the metal.

After such cleaning, the gate will be completely ready for further processing.

You need to clean the paint on a sunny day. Rain may cause work to stop.

Features of removing different types of paint and varnish products

Any paint can be removed mechanically, thermally or chemically, but sometimes certain methods are preferable.

The most common mistakes

When removing paint from a metal surface The following mistakes should be avoided:

1. Using a hair dryer or torch indoors. When heated, paint will release toxins, so poisoning cannot be avoided. Such work should be carried out in the fresh air.
2. Firing of brass and cast iron products. When heated, these metals become covered with scale and become brittle. This will lead to their rapid destruction.
3. Working without personal protective equipment. Failure to follow basic safety precautions increases the risk of injury.
4. Mechanical cleaning of thin sheets of metal. Pressing too hard may damage them. The product will lose its shape, or dents will appear on it, which will be difficult to straighten.

In order to avoid mistakes when performing work, you need to know what metal the product is made of and what type of paint it is coated with.

Important Tips

When removing paint from metal you need to use the following recommendations:

1. Observe safety precautions. Hands, respiratory organs and eyes need protection.
2. Take care of cleanliness. Less dust will form if you spray the surface with water before mechanical cleaning.
3. Do not overheat the paint to prevent it from catching fire. You can start applying the metal remover or solvent only after it has cooled down. Such liquids are flammable.
4. In order not to damage the surrounding surfaces, they are covered with cloth.

Video on the topic

Video tips for removing old paint and rust from metal surfaces:

Conclusion

It takes some effort to get rid of paint on metal. It is important to take into account the features of the product, its thickness, as well as the type of coloring composition.

Most often you have to resort to a combination of several methods. This is the only way to completely clean the coating of old paint.