Methods for removing powder paint

Chemical cleaning methods

You can remove old powder coating using special chemical solvents, which are available in large quantities in a similar market segment. They do their job well and quickly and have a different composition that removes not only paint, but also rust. Such solutions are quite expensive, so this method of removal is used only in certain cases when the costs justify the results.

Conventionally, chemical solvents are divided into thick and liquid.

Removal with thick chemical solvents

Before you begin removing paint using this method, you must thoroughly clean the metal of contaminants and degrease it. Afterwards, a special thick chemical solution is applied to the surface using a brush or roller. After some time, the coating begins to crack and swell, and can be easily cleaned with a spatula. This removal option is very convenient, since the solvent has a thick consistency, adheres well to the surface, and does not flow down.

Depending on the layer of powder paint, the entire removal process can take up to 8 hours, but more often the paint will crack within a few minutes after applying the solvent. This method is used to remove powder coating from large surfaces - roofs, fences and floors.

Liquid chemical solvents

For this method of removing powder paint, the item to be cleaned is placed in a special steel container or stainless steel bath, previously filled with liquid solvent. After some time, the powder coating begins to delaminate, but the metal remains unchanged. To obtain a quick chemical reaction, the part must be stirred periodically in the solution. After this process, the metal is cleaned of the old coating using spatulas and washed with water to completely remove any remaining solvent.

This wash is suitable for cleaning sharp parts that can easily be immersed in the prepared container. In addition to removing the old layer of paint, this product destroys rust and limescale deposits.

Water jet method

Powder paint is removed under the influence of a powerful jet of cold water with abrasive additives.

a nozzle is directed onto the surface to be treated;
a powerful pressure of water is turned on, which, together with abrasive crumbs, breaks off particles of the powder coating;
the cleaned surface is washed with clean water and compounds that prevent the formation of rust are applied.

When working, your hands should be protected with gloves, glasses should be worn to protect your eyes, and your ears should be protected with earplugs.

Metal burning

The essence of this method is to intensively heat the paint layer with a hair dryer or blowtorch. Under the influence of high temperatures, the coating begins to crack, after which it is removed with a spatula.

Thermal impact on metal is a labor-intensive process, the speed of which depends on the power of the heating devices and the thickness of the coating being removed - the thicker it is, the longer the removal process will take. Sometimes, to obtain a quick effect, parts can be fired over a fire or in a furnace, but this method is not suitable for all metals and is less progressive.

It is important to remember that many paint compositions can have good flammability even after the composition has completely dried. Therefore, this fact must be taken into account in order to avoid emergency situations and observe safety precautions.

Ways to remove old paint from metal

There are several ways to quickly remove old paint from metal. Each of them involves the use of certain tools and means. Therefore, it is important to prepare everything in advance so that during the work you have what you need at hand.

Basic cleaning methods:

Mechanical. In this case, you can remove old paint from a metal surface using such improvised means as sandpaper, a spatula, or a metal brush. Power tools - an angle grinder, a drill with an attachment, a sandblasting machine - help to significantly speed up the process. The advantage of this method is that it does not require specific skills or additional costs. But its disadvantages include an increased likelihood of damage to the base, labor intensity and heavy dust.
Chemical. In this case, old paint is removed from metal using a special liquid, powder or gel. This involves additional costs for its purchase, but significantly saves time and helps remove old paint without much difficulty.
Thermal. The essence of this method is to heat the paint to a temperature at which it begins to peel off. After this, it can be easily removed with a spatula. This method does not require much time and additional costs, but is also not always effective. This is due to the fact that not every metal retains heat, so the paint simply does not have time to melt before it can be removed.

Important! Any of the listed methods involves the release of harmful substances in the form of vapors or dust, so before starting the procedure, you need to wear protective equipment.

How to remove paint from metal using a thermal method

In this case, the paint is heated using a hair dryer, gas torch or blowtorch. During the process, the old coating softens and must be immediately removed with a spatula. This method is based on the fact that under the influence of high temperature the adhesion between the old paint and the base temporarily disappears, so you need to act harmoniously and quickly.

Important! Heating devices should be used as paint removers from metal when the old coating is oil-based, as in other cases this method may not be effective.

Features of cleaning:

All work must be carried out in the fresh air or in a well-ventilated area, since toxic fumes are released when heated.
If possible, the metal structure should be dismantled, and if this is not possible, then you should make sure that adjacent parts will not be damaged by high temperature.
It is worth removing everything unnecessary from the area, and if necessary, protecting adjacent surfaces with asbestos boards.
The product being processed should be thoroughly washed to remove dust and dirt and dried.
Prepare a heating device, brush and spatula in advance, and put on protective equipment.
Heat the surface evenly. Initially, you should cover a large area, and then alternately direct the device to individual places.
At the same time, when heating, you need to use a spatula or a metal brush when the old layer softens well. Therefore, it is important that all actions are consistent.

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Final cleaning must be carried out with a special solvent for removing paint from metal. It is important that the surface has time to cool sufficiently.

Advice! Products made of cast iron, aluminum and brass, as well as those made of thin metal sheets, cannot be subjected to thermal cleaning.

How to chemically remove old paint from metal

This method involves the use of chemicals to remove paint from metal. This allows you to significantly reduce the procedure time and provide high-quality cleaning. This method is based on the fact that when a remover is applied to a surface, it penetrates the paint and destroys its structure. As a result, the old layer softens, swells and can be easily removed with a spatula.

Algorithm of actions:

Thoroughly clean the surface to be treated from dust and other contaminants, dry and degrease.
Apply a thick, even layer of chemical paint remover from metal.
Cover the surface with polyethylene to enhance the effect of the remover.
Wait the time specified in the instructions.
Use a spatula or brush to remove any blistered paint.
Additionally, sand the metal surface with sandpaper.
Remove chemical residues with acetone or another solvent.

Important! In order not to damage the base, you need to select the right paint remover from metal, taking into account the properties of the material.

The main disadvantage of this method is the increased release of toxic fumes, so do not forget about protective equipment and ventilation to avoid serious health complications.

How to mechanically remove paint from metal

In this case, you can use a drill, grinder or grinder. The main thing is to choose suitable attachments for removing paint from metal with an abrasive coating. And to clean hard-to-reach places, you should use sandpaper and a brush.

If the old layer is swollen and peeled off in many places due to rust, then a knife and spatula can help you remove it without much difficulty. The main thing is to thoroughly remove residues and carry out anti-corrosion treatment before applying a new coating.

Basic rules for mechanical removal of old paint:

Before starting work, you need to first prepare the necessary tools, free up space and remove all unnecessary things.
Wear safety glasses, gloves and a respirator.
You should start cleaning from the selected area, systematically moving on, without leaving any gaps.
Depending on the thickness of the paint layer, it is worth using different attachments so as not to damage the base.
It is recommended to wet the surface to be treated when cleaning is carried out with brushes, flap wheels or discs. This will prevent the spread of dust.
When using a grinder, you need to constantly change the grit of the sanding material. For removing the top layer of paint, a coarse grit in abrasive is suitable - 80, and for final stripping of the base - 320-240.

Important! The mechanical method is not suitable for processing large areas, and increased impact can cause deformation of the metal base.

Sandblasting will help speed up the process significantly. It is carried out using a jet of quartz sand, which is pushed out by a strong stream of air under pressure. This helps remove not only paint, but also rust. But in order not to damage the metal, its thickness should be at least 2-3 mm. This method allows you to remove 10-12 square meters. cm of coverage in 1 minute. Its disadvantage is the increased cost of equipment. Also, when working with it you need to have certain experience and skills.

Removal with water

Removing the old coating using this method uses a high-pressure unit, which creates high water pressure. For better cleaning, fine glass chips are added to the water, which removes the powder paint. The water for this method must be cold as it cools the coating and makes it brittle, after which it is effectively removed by the abrasive glass particles.

This option is the fastest, simplest and safest - the removal process does not take much time, the metal itself is not deformed and does not cause harm to health. However, you should not remove the paint yourself using this method - for this it is better to contact special organizations.

Removal using sandblasting

Another popular and effective solution for removing old paint. Its action is similar to the previous one, the only difference is that instead of water, a stream of fine sand is applied to the surface of the metal, which removes the paint layer. The coarse abrasive gradually removes the old paint, freeing the parts from the old paint.

This removal process is very labor-intensive and requires certain skills, since an inexperienced master with strong pressure can damage thin and fragile workpieces. In addition to powder coating, rust, various deposits and irregularities on the metal surface are removed in this way.

The difficulty of removal depends on the quality of the powder coating and its service life. Subsequent painting requires careful cleaning and preparation of the metal surface. But in any case, before the subsequent application of paint, it is recommended to correctly approach the issue of choosing a powder coating. You can buy powder paint in Moscow on our website. We also work with other regions of Russia. Our online store offers a large selection of powder paint from various popular manufacturers. When purchasing a product from us, you receive a guarantee of quality at the most attractive price!

Which wash to choose

A specialist, a chemical products sales manager, will help you decide how to remove powder paint from metal. You can choose products of different consistencies. If you plan to clean small parts, it is better to use ready-made liquid solutions.

Gel- and paste-like removers are suitable for treating vertical metal surfaces without disassembling and assembling the car.

We recommend

Professional powder paint remover DOCKER S8 . Industrial use. Fast acting (3-10 minutes). Effectively removes all types of powder paints. Penetrates deeply into the coating, actively softening it. Can be used in everyday life. Gel solution. Without smell. For interior and exterior use. Price. packaging

DOCKER S4 is a universal, effective general-construction remover of all types of paintwork. The remover is intended for outdoor use. Used to remove old polyurethane, epoxy, acrylic and other paint and varnish coatings from metal, wood, and concrete surfaces. Particularly effective for powder paints. Does not contain acid. More details

Instructions for using liquid remover

The liquid must be kept at room temperature before use.
Pour the cleaning solution into the bath and immerse the parts to be cleaned.
To speed up the process of paint peeling, the bath should be covered with a lid or plastic wrap.
A chemical reaction occurs, as a result of which the powder coating swells and flakes off or crumbles, settling to the bottom of the container.
The cleaned metal parts are removed from the bath and washed with plenty of water.

Instructions for using thick washes

The gel or paste mass is applied in a thick, even layer to the metal surface.
Leave for the time specified in the instructions.
The result of the chemical reaction will be the peeling of the powder paint from the base.
The peeling paint must be removed with a spatula, and the part must be thoroughly washed with water and dried.