I thought I’d sit down and write a very quick guide on how to remove paint from metal. It isn’t like stripping paint from other surfaces, simply because metal conducts heat, isn’t porous, and is very hard. You need to adjust your method to suit the substrate.
I’ll start by quickly running through the materials and tools you need, then the steps you should take. I’ll follow up by explaining a little bit about the best products to buy, using a heat gun to remove paint, and grinding.
Following the advice laid out in this blog will make everything a lot easier for you.
Shopping List
Sandpaper
Chemical paint stripper
Metal container
A good quality scraper
Wire wool
Wire brush
Rubber gloves
Steps
Sheet up
Stripping metal is a messy job, and the waste is likely to be trod into the ground if you’re not careful. Use an old dust sheet or bed sheet to cover the floor where you’re working. Just use something you can throw away afterwards.
Abrade the paint
The best method of removing paint from metal is to use a chemical paint stripper. Paint strippers work better if you first run some sandpaper over the paint and break the film. This is particularly true if stripping glossy paint. So, lightly abrade the paint you wish to remove.
Apply the paint stripper
I’ll explain why paint strippers are the best method for removing paint from metal further down the blog. I’ve found Paint Panther to work very well. It comes as a gel. Just decant it into a metal container and apply a generous coat to the paint you wish to remove. Make sure you’re wearing rubber gloves while you do this.
Test the paint
Don’t allow the Paint Panther to dry. But wait 10-15 minutes and then test the paint with your scraper. If it comes off easily, then brilliant. You’re ready to move onto the next section. However, if not, it’s better to apply more Paint Panther and wait. It’s easier to remove paint from metal if the chemical stripper has had chance to work. So, applying more and waiting an extra 10-20 minutes will save you time in the long run.
Remove the paint
Start scraping the paint away from the metal. Work on one area at a time and keep the rest of the metal covered in Pant Panther. A wire brush will also help with the more intricate patches.
I keep a wooden box or metal bucket close by, which I clean my scraper on while I work. This helps prevent me flicking waste material all over the place and keeps the work area cleaner. Be very careful not to flick waste because it’ll get on your skin. Wear eye protection if working at head hight, and wear rubber gloves always.
Be prepared to repeat the process
The chances are you’ll remove most of the paint on your first scrape, but don’t worry if you can’t. Just get what you can off, then apply more chemical stripper. You need to remove 90% of the paint before moving onto the next step.
Clean everything down
Get a bucket of warm soapy water and just remove any leftover residue from the paint stripper. Allow everything to dry before moving onto the next section.
Abrade
Use some sandpaper or wire wool to abrade the metal until it’s smooth and free from paint. Congratulations, you’re finished.
The Best Chemical Paint Stripper to Remove Paint from Metal
Chemical paint strippers are the way to go when removing paint from metal. Heat isn’t as effective as it is when stripping wood, and because metal isn’t porous, it doesn’t absorb any of the chemical stripper.
Paint strippers used to be a lot more powerful than they are now (and a lot more harmful for your health too). There aren’t loads that still work well, but Paint Panther does.
Not only does it work well on any type of metal paint, but it comes as a thick gel and seems to take longer to dry out than the others I’ve tried. This means it’s easier to work on larger areas or in warm weather.
I genuinely believe this is the best ‘off the shelf’ product for removing paint from metal. Just be careful with it; as with any paint stripper, you should take precautions to avoid your skin encountering the chemical.
Using a Grinder to Remove Paint from Metal
I couldn’t write a blog on how to remove paint from metal without mentioning a grinder. This is a little bit more hard-core, and you will need all the relevant PPE. You’ll mark the metal too; not just scuffs, but you can put texture into the metal. It will remove paint though, along with any rust patches.
Using a Wire Brush on a Drill to Remove Paint from Metal
You can do this in conjunction with the chemical paint stripper method that I outlined. If you already have a drill, you can get an inexpensive wire brush bit for removing the last little bits of paint.
If you have a lot of metal to strip, then I highly recommend investing in one of these. It just speeds up the prep and helps with getting into the nooks and crannies. Please ensure you always wear eye protection when using this method.
Using Heat to Remove Paint from Metal
I deliberately left this to the end, simply because it comes with problems. As a Professional Decorator, burning paint with a heat gun used to be a common occurrence. But it is dangerous! So much so, that most public liability policies don’t include “working with heat”.
Moreover, the fumes that come from burning can be harmful. Paint contains chemicals known as VOCs, which can be toxic if inhaled.
That aside, using a heat gun to remove paint is still the quickest way, most of the time. It doesn’t seem as effective on metal as it is on wood. I accredit this to the conductive qualities of metal.
This is just one Decorators opinion, and I do still have a heat gun in my arsenal; but I suggest you reserve this method as a last resort. This is my heat gun. I don’t think I’ve used it for about 18 months.
FAQs
Can I remove paint from metal without damaging the surface?
You can, but it’s slightly more difficult. You should use non-mechanical methods, and wire wool rather than sandpaper.
What is the fastest way to remove paint from metal?
The fastest way is to use a grinder. If you don’t have one, you can always hire one from your local hire shop. Just make sure you wear appropriate PPE and be careful not to damage the metal. It’s also difficult to get into the little creases when using a grinder, so you may need a chemical stripper too.
How to remove paint from metal without a paint remover?
You could use heat, or you could use a grinder. However, as outlined in this blog on how to remove paint from metal, chemical paint removers are the way to go.
What is the most effective paint remover for metal?
Solvent-based paint removers are most effective for removing paint from metal. Chemical strippers have changed a lot over the years. The best now is Paint Panther in my opinion.
Does white spirit remove paint from metal?
White spirit won’t remove paint from metal unless it’s oil-based paint and it’s still wet. However, if you’re removing water-based paint, then methylated spirit will get it off.
Final Thoughts
OK, now you know how to remove paint from metal. I’m hoping that if you have just spent 10 minutes reading this blog, then the task will be a lot more straightforward for you.
I spent days on end stripping metal over the years, particularly when I was an apprentice some twenty-odd years ago. It can be hard goring at times, but if you’ve just got a small fence or a wrought iron gate to do, then it shouldn’t be too much of a hardship.
0 Comments