How To Remove Paint From Metal

How To Remove Paint From Metal

Removing paint from metal can be a tedious and dangerous chore if not done safely and properly. But you can do it yourself with a little guidance and some elbow grease. Depending on what type of metal you are dealing with, some methods will work better than others. Regardless of the type of metal or paint, we all want to be able to remove paint from metal as efficiently and thoroughly as possible without any problems or setbacks.

That being said, read on to learn all about how to remove paint from metal.

Tools You Need To Remove Paint From Metal

Before you start trying to remove paint from metal surfaces, be sure to have the proper tools to do the job right the first time.

• Heat and chemical resistant gloves
• Newspapers, cardboard, plastic sheeting, or drop cloths to protect other surfaces
• Long sleeve shirts
• Protective masks
• Paint thinner and mineral spirits
• Paint stripper
• Safety goggles to protect your eyes
• Ear protection
• Sandblaster
• Paint scraper
• Angle grinder
• Putty knife
• Disposable container
• Chip brushes
• Hard bristle brush
• Clean rags

Your project may not require all of the above, but this list should give you a good idea of what you might need. If you are not sure what your project requires, you can contact your local hardware store to ask or contact Stronghold Welding.

Prepping Your Workspace

If possible, work on your paint-stripping project in an isolated area that has proper ventilation such as a workshop, an open garage, or even outdoors in a driveway.

Prepare your workspace by laying out plastic sheeting or drop cloths so you don’t make a mess. Chemical stripping agents can harm furniture, flooring, and other items you want to keep safe. Use old newspapers and cardboard if you want to save money.

Layout your tools so you can easily get to them as you need them. Make sure your workspace is secure so pets and children don’t get hurt.

Safety First

Again, make sure you secure your workspace so children and pets don’t bother your project or harm themselves.

Prior to beginning the project, be sure to wear your protective mask and gloves. You don’t want to breathe in chemicals or let them get on your skin. Read any instructions on your paint removal products and tools. Don’t rush through your project. Take your time because rushing is when accidents are more likely to occur. Remove any flammable objects from your workspace, especially when working with an angle grinder.  In addition, if you suspect the paint you want to remove contains lead (paint prior to 1980), use a lead detecting swab. Whether the paint contains lead or not will help determine the best removal method.

Methods to Remove Paint from Metal

Paint stripper

This method is perfect for outdoor projects and larger metal pieces, especially spray paint and harder to clean nooks and crannies. Make sure you practice chemical safety when using paint strippers. There are several types of paint strippers to choose from, but using them involves the same basic steps. Simply pour into a container and apply thickly with a chip brush. You’ll have to practice a bit of patience here because it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight for the paint thinner to react and start breaking the bond between paint layers and the metal. Wipe away the stripper and the paint. Repeat as necessary. Again, this could take time.

Angle Grinder

Using an angle grinder is a quicker way to remove paint from metal, especially stubborn paint. Ideal for stronger metal objects like steel beams, pipes, fencing, and large flat surfaces, an angle grinder equipped with a strip disk or wire wheel will do most of the work for you. Again, there’s no need to rush. Equip a strip disk that is abrasive enough to remove paint, but won’t harm the metal underneath it. Make sure you tightly attach the disk or wire wheel to the grinder so it doesn’t fly off while using it.

You don’t have to press down too hard to achieve effective removal. Light pressure will do just fine. Be sure to hold the angle grinder tightly when using it to keep it securely in your hands while removing paint. It can also remove unwanted rust.

Heat Gun

A heat gun is a tool that slowly melts paint, causing it to fall off metal surfaces. It’s effective for smaller areas or sections of your project, particularly nooks and crannies that are harder to reach with other tools. Start by applying low heat and slowly move the heat gun back and forth. Hold the heat gun just a few inches away from the surface. Avoid high heat because overheating can result in the deformation of the metal. Increase the heat as necessary until you start seeing the paint bubble or pull away from the metal. Then use a scraper or putty knife to remove it.

Sandblaster

If you have a sandblaster or can access one, it’s very useful for quickly removing paint from rough metal surfaces. A sandblaster uses compressed air to fire sand at a metal object, stripping paint from the surface. Just make sure you wear safety gear such as goggles and a respirator because sand particles can severely harm your eyes and lungs.

Baking Soda or Vinegar

One of the safest methods to remove paint from metal is by using baking soda or vinegar, which is useful for small metal pieces such as handles and hinges. Boil a quart of water with 1/4 cup of baking soda or vinegar, Soak your metal objects in the pot or container for at least 15 minutes. The paint should fall right off. Then safely remove the items and remove leftover paint with a brush.

Toothbrush

Having a toothbrush handy can help you remove paint from small nooks and crannies. Just don’t use it to brush your teeth anymore.

Finishing Up

Once you finish removing paint from metal, wipe down the item with a clean rag and apply mineral spirits for additional cleaning. Safely dispose of any dirty rags and leftover supplies. Store unused paint thinner and tools in an appropriate place.

Need To Call A Professional?

If you don’t think you can or should remove paint from a metal object or surface yourself, don’t be afraid to call a professional. Stronghold Welding has the expertise and all the tools of the trade necessary to remove even the toughest layer of old paint from metal. We serve Westchester, Dutchess, and Putnam Counties and surrounding areas, including New York City. Please call us at 914-235-8280 or visit our website today!