Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

I bought some sheetmetal aluminum valvecovers from George C. and they currently have bright red enamel on them. I want to strip this paint off and have the covers polished. What brand(s) of chemical strippers have you guys used that work well. I guess I would fill up a tub with the stuff and soak them.

I need something that won't eat away at the aluminum though.

Tony

383LQ4SS

iTrader: (33)

We use a brand called Aircraft Paint Stripper (actual brand name). It will take off most paints in about 25 minutes. Just brush it on and wait...usually within 5 minutes it begins to bubble up. Just wipe off and recoat after about 30 min...repeat till its all gone. Will not harm aluminum.

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

Where do they carry that brand? Hardware stores or automotive?

CAT3

iTrader: (9)

Aircraft Paint Stripped Works works!

I used Easy-Off oven cleaner one time to remove the crud build up on a set of old polished wheels before I painted them. It does pit the finish though, in my case was what I wanted. About 5-10min, wipe off recoat, and smells like hell.

383LQ4SS

iTrader: (33)

Check Home Depot...I think they may have it. Ill check the can tonight and see if I can get more exact info.

Doc

iTrader: (9)

methethlketone / MEK/ Home Depot/ Deadly

JTM

Autozone, Pep boys, etc... will also carry the aircraft paint stripper. Its good stuff, WHEN you get some on your hand or arm it will burn, the cheap paint stripper takes a minute or two before it burns, lol. Buy some cheap paint brushes and use these to apply the paint stripper, if its 80+ outside and your in the sun, as soon as its applied the paint will bubble off instantly. Throw the brushes away after your done, wear safety glasses, and plenty of rubber gloves. No matter how careful you always seem to get a some on you. Its like $20-25 a gallon, but it really doesn't take as much as you would think it would to get the job done.

gMAG

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for this post. I'll be looking to strip some red paint as well!

383LQ4SS

iTrader: (33)

MEK wont strip enamal paint. It is good to use MEK to clean the recently stripped surface though.

Oh...and if you have any warts...put some aircraft stripper on it. Saw my co worker do that once...burned it right down. Lol.

Ramair346

Would this strip the paint off of a set of painted headers without damaging them?

pimpmaro

I don't see why it wouldn't. I just wouldn't advise anyone here to use MEK without REALLY knowing how to use it. It's a really deadly chemical even in the proper hands.

ChrisB

MEK isn't deadly - it's just a strong organic solvent. As long as you use common sense you will be fine with it (e.g. if in enclosed space use a respirator, don't bathe in it, wear safety goggles (probably a long sleve shirt/proper gloves)). It's not carcinogenic, and will not cause chemical burns.

The aircraft stripper mentioned and others are probably more "dangerous" than MEK. That said, don't drink it, bathe in it, etc. by any means - but it wont kill you.

Reckless

iTrader: (9)

Can any of this stuff be used in your driveway without killing small neighborhood animals?

JTM

I've used the aircraft stripper in my driveway, no animals were harmed. =)

1999_SS_M6

Aircraft stripper is pretty common stuff.. However, you will find a more concentrated, faster acting product at an automotive paint supply store than you will at Autozone. It will burn you pretty quickly, I would suggest some pretty serious rubberized work gloves, latex is a joke to this stuff. It's just a little irritating to the skin though, it's not like 4 seconds of contact will expose bone. Just rinse contacted areas well with water till neutralized. As far as protection is concerned WEAR EYE PROTECTION! If you drop anything, or flip your brush, or any number of things that happen in an instant, you don't want splatter in your eyes.

It's not deadly, just dangerous, and any competent person can use it safely. As far as the animals are concerned, use your best judgement. Personally, I find it's a very effective depilitory cream.

pimpmaro

ChrisB, back when I did some work with industrial solvents, I could have sworn I read some material that classified MEK as extremely carcinogenic. I could very well be mistaken, but I much prefer to err on the side of caution.

BLULS1Z28

iTrader: (1)

i use to work in a paint store and we couldnt sell mek to any one who didnt have a professional account with us that should tell u some think