what unconventional methods have you used to strip paint?

[bean 85]

I have a set of commando 800 wheels, and I am having a heck of a time getting the paint stripped. I am using a strong citrus product that has worked on every other part.  the paint on the wheels is almost like an epoxy coating.  it was never shiny, it has a plastic look to it.

I am thinking about throwing them in the firepit the next time we have a bon fire. downwind, of course.

any other methods that I am overlooking?

 

 

 

 

/

 

[Wishin4a416 2,191]

I Sandblast or use Aircraft stripper on all I do. Do you have access to a blaster or a friends?

[SousaKerry 501]

Blast em or use an E-tank.  Sounds like they may be powder coated if so not much will strip that off.  Have you tried a heat gun?  I would not recommend throwing them in the fire as it will warp the heck out of them and cause severe corrosion.

[bean 85]

  Sounds like they may be powder coated if so not much will strip that off.  Have you tried a heat gun? 

no sandblaster. I do have a commercial heat gun that I used when roofing. it get very hot.

it could be some sort of home-powdercoat. it is extremely tough.

I was just going to throw on top of the coals and let sit overnight. that shouldn't get too hot.

I'll let you know how they turn out

[CasualObserver 3,408]

If it's that durable, why not just paint over it?

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

I just purchased a wet sandblaster attachment for my pressure washer.  I haven't had a chance to use it yet but the results of others look good. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKqS8ZfED_I

[prondzy 3,881]

I have heard of guys and I'm not joking using OFF! deep woods brand mosquito spray. Just spray it on let it soak a few minutes and wipe it away. They use it for spray paint removal all the time. I havent tried it yet but I was going to on my next restoration.

[Martin 2,131]

if it is indeed powder coat, i would think your only option is burning the paint off or chemical stripping. blasting is an option, but is very slow on the majority of powder types........

if it was me and you really wanted to strip them, ( and it is powder coat) i would probably try the bonfire and move them around until all the paint is off. you would still need to blast them or at least pressure wash them to remove the ash and burnt paint. we burn powder off parts daily in an 800 degree oven, you can get it done with slightly less temp but you will have more clean up. 

i wouldnt think you would have a problem with doing them in a fire as long as you move them around a little so the wheels are heated as evenly as possible....

 

...or you could find a place that strips powder coat and does blasting to take care of them, but the cost could be a factor. the company i work for would probably charge $100 to strip(or burn) and blast 4 wheels......

 

another good thing about burning them is it gets rid of all the grease in the front wheels.....

[953 nut 55,044]

The heat gun should do the trick, I think the home powder coat kits are baked at 350 degrees so I think a heat gun and scraper will do the trick.

 

 

 

 

[bean 85]

thanks everyone,

I'm stripping them, instead of painting over, because the coating is very thick, and looks like melted plastic.

I was hoping to not breathe any fumes from using the heat gun, so thought the fire might let me get away from the process.

I might try it this weekend

[boovuc 1,090]

Though it is hardly unconventional I use Methyl Ethyl Ketone, (MEK), to minimally loosen hard to remove paint. If your paint is sanded first or even wire brushed hard, top the sanded area with a wet rag of MEK. Hit it once every 15 minutes then either rub it hard with MEK or hit with sand paper. (Please be sure you eliminate any wet MEK before possibly causing a spark). Not recommended doing in an enclosed area!

I have taken off some pretty thick paints though the powder coat you described sounds awful nasty!

[flyovrcntry 115]

Ever try oven cleaner?A friend of mine told me to use it on decals that have been painted over.It works real good for that,but you have to check it and wipe it off.I have never really tried it for stripping tough paint,but I can tell you if you don't wash off the residue it will eat the decal.

 

 

 

I know a lot of things,most of them are not worth knowing,thats all I know for sure