Paint removal from Aluminium

[steviec_lj]

Hi guys,

Did a quick search of the forum, and found a couple of good topics regarding paint removal, however most of the chemicals suggested are then discussed as to eat away at alloy's, which isn't much use in my case.

I have 6 Technics SL1210's that I am looking to get powder coated at work FOC, as they will end up on the end of the run, which they're happy about. Problem is, I sent a pair of the tops in for coating today, and they powder has bubbled up and it looks a real mess now.

The paint coating which I wish to remove looks quite thin, so heat could be used, BUT, this wouldn't get into the corners or small gaps etc.

So..are there any suggestions?

I'll also be looking at removing the powder coat from the 2 that have recently been attempted.

 

[rtbcomp]

A dip in methylene chloride will lift the paint without attacking the aluminium.

You need to keep a layer of water on the top to stop evaporation, and make sure the metal is below the junction between the meth. chloride & water.

 

[steviec_lj]

That the stuff I can put in an MDPE Tank and cover with a couple of inches of water, then put a lid on it, so it can be used at a further date?

A few "dumbo" questions...

Is the Meth. Chloride available in different strengths? If so, which is best?

Can is be used on Alloy, Steel, Iron, Stainless, etc, etc, or does it "eat" certain metals?

Oh, and how long is a dip? haha!!

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

Can't help with your problem but....Aluminium looks fantastic anodised,it can be any colour you want it and it becomes scratchproof.

 

[Weldinator]

I just so happen to used some por 15 paint remover and the stuff seems red in colour now. I cant remember what colour it was when i bought the stuff about a year ago but it did nothing to the paint/etch on the alloys.

The paint on mine is quite thin, i'm thinking of using my local diy store's own brand stuff. If that dont work, i think ill use the weldequip grinder soft disks. When using plastic/rubber disks for drills and grinders seems far quicker than the steel types, seems to take less of the metal away during the process too.

Do you know a place anywhere that will do anodising on alloys, ive searched loads and seem to only do office type stuff etc.

 

[rtbcomp]

I've used HDPE and polypropylene. It will soften PET, PVC and rubber. (Great for stripping insulation of cables). I'm using one of those blue barrels you see advertised for water butts.

It's very volatile so a layer of water is a must. After prolonged contact with water the water can become slightly acidic, hence make sure any metal is below the surface of the meth. chloride.

I think it's just one strength, although I believe you can get reclaimed MC.

It's an organic chemical, not an acid or caustic so it doesn't attack metals.

Google it for COSHH data and so on.

The length of a dip depends on the type of paint and the thickness.

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

Do you know a place anywhere that will do anodising on alloys, ive searched loads and seem to only do office type stuff etc.

Any Aluminium anodising I do myself,its so easy.

I can post a link/s to how its done and also a link where they sell the sulphuric acid

You need a plastic tub depending on the size of the job? copperwire and a car battery and womens hair colouring dye

 

[Chipper]

GP, I'd be interested in that link, got a fair bit of sulphuric here and wondering what things it might be useful for...

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

I'll post it in a new thread called Anodising as this is not my thread.

 

[steviec_lj]

RTB, you're a star. Many thanks for the detailed information. I've got my eye on 12 of the barrels, which are complete too, which is nice. So they will definately come in useful!

Georgie, I've also been looking at Anodising, as I understood this is quite a straight forward process once you get your head around it. I'll take a look at the links in your post and have a go with another pair of the turntables at some point.

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

No problem.

One thing I gotta emphaise is....

the Aluminium has got to be spotless and grease free otherwise it will destroy the outcome and look blotchy.

 

[MG David]

I am interested in having a methylene chloride tank for paint stripping.

Is methylene chloride coloured at all. If not once it is in the container with a layer of water how do you tell how much water is still on the top.

 

[rtbcomp]

It's clear.

Place a stick in at an angle and it will appear to bend at the junction of the two liquids due to their different refractive indices.

Also you get debris floating at the junction, it's too heavy to float on the water yet light enough float on the meth. chloride.

 

[Weldinator]

I tried the other paint stripper stuff i had and that did nothing to the paint either, looks like im going to get them acid dipped for £10 each wheel.

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

If you search the net you will find its not easy to remove paint from aluminium,and only a few state using aircraft? stripper will do it but it takes a while to remove.

 

[rtbcomp]

That's got to depend on the paint rather than the metal.

I've stripped loads of aluminium castings, but really struggled on some wheels which I suspect were powder primed rather than painted.

 

[Weldinator]

Yeah the instruction say if its water based paint it will take longer, so i did just in case it was and didn't let it dry out either, yet no reactions at all.