If there is a need for painting a metal object, rust and the old coating must first be removed . It does not make any sense to apply over the existing old paint, otherwise a fresh layer will 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, since it will be difficult to quickly remove old paint from metal. There are several different options for this: professional and amateur. The following materials will be required for removal:
- special fluid;
- putty knife;
- thermal gun;
- grinder;
- kerosene.
Options for removing the old layer from a metal product
If you need to update the metal coating, on which there are several layers of paint, you do not need to expect the process to be easy, since it is not easy to remove old paint from the metal, because manufacturers try to ensure that their goods are wear-resistant and remain in good condition for a long time.
Ways to remove an unwanted 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 following options for removing the paintwork.
Mechanical way
With a manual or power tool, removal can be done using it. Wire brushes or ordinary sandpaper is not the best option, but still effective. It is more advisable 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 will do. But this is not a very convenient method. Its advantages are in the accessibility and simplicity 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
Using this method, the coating heats up until the paint begins to peel off. After that, it is removed with a spatula. Unfortunately, not all products made of metal lend themselves well 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 fire hazard. Scale appears on the surface, requiring polishing. Such a rather coarse removal does not always give the desired result. It is preferable to use other paint removal options for these purposes.
Chemical way
How can you remove old paint from metal yet? Washes and solvents. Buying a special liquid is not difficult, since they are produced by many enterprises. Therefore, in the market you can see different means.
Each liquid has a specific specificity, so you must first read the manufacturer's instructions. The consistency of the fluid may vary - it may be:
- gel and liquid;
- dry powder;
- spray can.
But in practice it is more difficult to choose not the type of wash, but its manufacturer, because the level of quality does not always meet expectations.
The indisputable advantage of this option is simplicity, since it is possible to remove old paint from metal practically without applying special efforts after the completion of the chemical process. But there is a negative side to this method - toxicity.
Flushing technology
The process of applying fluid 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 validity period must be stated on the package. It is important to observe the time, since removing the old paint from the metal will not work if the wash has not yet worked properly. Preference should be given to high-quality compounds, since it will be more difficult to remove with cheap analogues. Some argue that it is more practical to use the gel, because it is easier to apply with an even layer.
To use the paint remover, you must prepare:
- Washing off.
- Protective gloves.
- A respirator is required to protect the airways from toxins.
- Certain types of sandpaper.
- Convenient spatula.
Do not forget that when there are several layers of old paint, you will need another surface treatment.
When the chemical reaction is completed, the enamel swells and exfoliates. To remove this, you need to carefully go with a grinder, sandpaper or a spatula and remove the paint. All actions are not carried out in a hurry, otherwise the foundation can be damaged. After cleaning, the product should be coated with an anti-corrosion agent. After that, you can move on to choosing a new paint to refresh the surface of the metal product.
Errors while painting the product
Often people who are not knowledgeable in this matter make a gross mistake and choose a simple solution: they paint without first cleaning the surface. However, they suggest that this is the best option. However, then they realize that the decision was wrong. And such an undertaking will take only time and energy. A positive result will not be observed for long, after some time the fresh paint applied will swell, peel 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;
- primer.
When the preparatory work is completed, you can apply a fresh coat of paint.
Now you know how to remove old paint from metal. Obviously, this is a very painstaking work. After all, you need not only to remove the old paint, but also not to damage the product itself, but this will take time, certain skills and, of course, patience!