Best method to strip paint

cllong1

Promoted Users
I was reading in a post by crashtech yesterday that if you use a 80 grit flap disk on angle grinder to remove paint you must come back with DA 60 to clean up. I got a porter cable DA 6 inch, but I think the flap disk will eat it off quicker. Can someone give me the correct process to strip, because this is the way I had in mind. I was basically going to use use angle grinder with flap disc. Any recommendations as to what are the best products to use. If the one one from lowes and home depot are no good for the job please advice with a step by step process because Im going to print this post out as a guide. Thanks guys
 
I also forgot to mention that using a flap disc or any of these can cause you make gouges and remove unwanted metal, so that is why I am asking... been there done that. I want to strip paint not remove metal, so how can I avoid this?
 
If you have multiple layers of paint, I have found a heat gun and razor blade to work very well.
Stripping Right Fender.JPG

Even takes poly primer and filler off.
Tailgate thick filler.JPG

Paint Chip Layers.JPG


Once done a DA with 80 grit preps the panel for epoxy primer.
Left Side.jpg

You can see the cowl parts went into the blast cabinet.
 
Here's what I use for large areas:



You'll need a slow, variable speed air or electric buffer/grinder to use that pad. I vastly prefer an air tool because it has much less weight and rotational mass. An electric one is more likely to cause damage, but if your air supply is limited, it's probably what you'll have to use because the air grinders are air hogs.

In tighter areas you may wish to simply stay with the DA. Use 40, then 80.

In all cases, avoid putting too much heat into the metal. Stop with rotary tools and finish with the DA while there is still a bit of material on the metal whenever possible. In other words, avoid using the rotary tool excessively on bare metal.
 
Interesting to see that you like the electric. I think I could use it in a pinch. The thing I like about the air buffer is that if you manage to start running it wrong, it will stop on a dime when you release the throttle. This also tends to make them temperamental when running at slow speed, though.
Oh, I didn't say I liked it, it's just what I use :) I haven't even thought about using my old air buffer. I quit using it 20+ years ago because of the noise. That thing just screamed at a high pitch, is what I remember. I'll have to break it out and give it a try. Sure is a lot lighter and easier to control. You should give those Sunmight discs a shot. They work great and are much cheaper.
 
Hey Textasking or anybody do you have a link to a picture of the elelctric buffer your using to go with pads or something with variable speeds. Because it sounds like the electric grinder has to high rpm?
 
Thanks guys for helping me narrow it down. I about know what I need something like these with variable speeds that’s not wide ass open like and angle grinder that will fly out your hand. I was going to slap that bad boy on there until y’all save me.
 
Is the heat gun a slow process
I used it on a '57 Cadillac because the paint that was on it plugged the paper real bad. Once you get the technique down and get in a rythm, it works well. Just can't get in a hurry no matter which method you use.
 
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That brought great revelation to your point about whats hide underneath a paint job, you nailed it
 
one last question when you guys refer to DA, meaning dual action can I use a electric DA or all of them used by air tools. I have a Portable Cable DA air tooll but I think its seen its days. It may hold to finish my little mustang. If not can I use a electric DA? Just thinking ahead before I get there.
 
one last question when you guys refer to DA, meaning dual action can I use a electric DA or all of them used by air tools. I have a Portable Cable DA air tooll but I think its seen its days. It may hold to finish my little mustang. If not can I use a electric DA? Just thinking ahead before I get there.

Porter Cable has an electric sander that works well for removing paint. H.D has them I think. Available with variable speed. Around 130.00 I think.
 
I have never seen bondo or bodyfiller laid on that thick glad you were able to get it off
That truck was painted by a "custom" shop in California just 6 years prior to it being sent to me with paint cracking and chipping everywhere.
Too many so called restorations are really well sculpted replicas of what used to be there.
This quarter panel from a '65 Buick Special Convertible is the worst I have ever dealt with. Talk about "cave and pave"!
Deep Bondo.JPG


The heat gun and razor blade method wouldn't work on the above so grinder time.
When using the heat gun and razor blade method, you heat the paint just in front of the razor blade and then work your way down the panel. It doesn't take near as long as you might think but does take a little practice. For multiple layers it is much quicker than sanding IMHO.
 
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