Removing paint from metal.
Of the many options for removing paint from metal surfaces, some are more labor intensive than others.
Using the heat gun method may be the fastest option. It may be less expensive to use the paint stripper method if you do not already have a heat gun or propane torch. The choice you make will depend on what you have available and what you feel most comfortable with.
Instructions
Remove Paint from Metal Surfaces
1. Direct a heat gun or a propane torch toward the surface of the painted metal. The paint will soften. Use the paint scraper to remove the paint. It will be easily scraped off while soft and warm. If you go overboard with this you will scorch the metal permanently. Do not do this indoors if you don't have to. It may create toxic fumes. Use a respirator if you must do this indoors.
You may also choose a chemical stripper option that will be detailed in the following steps.
2. Lay a drop cloth down on the ground below where you will be working. Put on rubber gloves. You may want to use a respirator if you will be working indoors and using a toxic substance. There are many different types of chemical paint strippers. Some are much less toxic than others. These are safer to use indoors with good ventilation and often are better for the environment. You will find the variety of these for sale at hardware stores.
3. Pour the chemical paint stripper into a glass container. Submerge paintbrush bristles into the stripper solution. Now paint a layer of it onto the metal surface you are trying to remove paint from. Watch as the paint begins to bubble up on the metal surface.
4. Scrape the paint off of the metal surface after it has started bubbling. Be sure that you have waited for this to happen before you begin scraping. Use long, even strokes with your paint scraper to be the most efficient.
5. Wipe the metal down with lacquer thinner after the paint is removed. Use a clean cloth or clean paint brush for this. Lacquer thinner is also available for sale at hardware stores.
