When there is a need to paint a metal object, you must first remove the rust and the old coating. It makes no sense to apply over the already existing old paint, otherwise the fresh layer will also begin to peel off. In this regard, a logical question arises: how to remove old paint from metal? You will find the answer to it in this article.
This process is quite lengthy, as it will be difficult to quickly remove the old paint from the metal. There are several different options for this: professional and amateur. Removal requires the following materials:
- special fluid;
- spatula;
- heat gun;
- grinder;
- kerosene.
Options for removing the old layer from metal products
If it is necessary to renew a metal coating on which there are several layers of paint, one should not expect that the processit will be easy, since it is not easy to remove old paint from metal, because manufacturers are trying to ensure that their goods are wear-resistant and remain in good condition for a long time.
Ways to remove an unnecessary layer:
- mechanical;
- thermal;
- chemical.
How and what is the best way to remove old paint from metal? It is most practical to do this with a special liquid. In order to understand this, it is worth exploring each of the paint stripping options listed below.
Mechanical method
If you have a hand or power tool, removal can be done with it. Wire brushes or ordinary sandpaper are not the best option, but still effective. It is more expedient to use a grinder for this, she uses a wire brush as a nozzle. Or a drill with a metal brush installed in the chuck is suitable. But this is not a very convenient method. Its advantages are in the availability and ease of processing a small area, since removing old paint from metal at home on a large area is a job that requires tremendous effort.
Thermal method
When using this method, the coating is heated until the paint begins to flake off. After that, it is removed with a spatula. Unfortunately, not all products made of metal lend themselves well enough to this processing option. This method is not at all suitable for sheet iron, cast iron,galvanized sheets.
The advantage of this option is time saving, since it is more difficult and longer to remove very old paint from metal with other improvised means and materials. Its disadvantage is the fire hazard. Scale appears on the surface, requiring grinding. Such a rather rough removal does not always give the desired result. It is preferable to use other paint removal options for these purposes.
Chemical method
How can I remove old paint from metal yet? Washers and solvents. Buying a special liquid is not difficult, as many enterprises produce them. Therefore, you can see different products on the market.
Each liquid has its own specifics, so you must first read the manufacturer's instructions. Liquids may differ in consistency - these may be:
- gel and liquid;
- dry powder;
- aerosol.
But in practice it is more difficult to choose not the type of wash, but its manufacturer, because the quality level does not always meet expectations.
The indisputable advantage of this option is simplicity, since you can remove the old paint from the metal with little or no effort after the completion of the chemical process. But there is also a negative side of this method - toxicity.
Wash application technology
The process of applying liquid is elementary. To remove the paintwork from a metal product, you need to apply the substance and leave it for a specific period of time. The period of validity must be written inpackaging. It is important to observe the time, since it will not work to remove the old paint from the metal if the wash has not yet worked properly. Preference should be given to high-quality formulations, since it will be more difficult to remove with cheap counterparts. Some argue that gel is more practical because it is easier to apply evenly.
To use the paint remover, you need to prepare:
- Wash.
- Protective gloves.
- A respirator will be required to protect the respiratory tract from toxins.
- Certain types of sandpaper.
- Handy spatula.
Do not forget that when there are several layers of old paint, another surface treatment will be needed.
When the chemical reaction is complete, the enamel swells and peels off. To remove this, you need to carefully walk with a grinder, sandpaper or spatula and remove the paint. All actions are not carried out in a hurry, otherwise the base may be damaged. After cleaning is completed, the product should be coated with an anti-corrosion agent. After that, you can move on to choosing a new paint to freshen up the surface of the metalwork.
Mistakes when painting a product
Often, people who are not aware of this issue make a gross mistake and choose a simple solution: they paint without first cleaning the surface. However, they assume that this is the best option. However, later they realize that the decision was wrong. And suchThe idea will only take time and effort. A positive result will not be observed for long, after some time the applied fresh paint will swell, begin to peel off and fall off in large parts.
Therefore, before painting, it is important to follow a certain sequence of actions:
- first you need to remove completely all the old coating;
- degrease the surface;
- treat with a primer.
When preparatory work is completed, a fresh coat of paint can be applied.
Now you know how to remove old paint from metal. Obviously, this is very hard work. After all, you need not only to remove the old paint, but also not to damage the product itself, and this will take time, certain skills and, of course, patience!
