Other than blasting, how do you guys remove rust and paint?

[truckin88 104]

Other than blasting, how do you guys remove rust and paint?

[Rooster 192]

Search E-tank - or electrolisis. The best and easiest way to remove rust.

I have also used 3m Scotch brite pads for a 4" angle grinder. Some of the paint on tractors was a baked on enamel that I have sent through our large blast cabinet several times and it still stays put! The scotch brite pads will strip it right off without scratching the metal!

[71_Bronco 1,072]

I too have used the scotch brite wheels with good results, especially on big flat items such as the frame.

As Rooster said, look up the "E-Tanks" on here, very useful from what I hear.

[ce318 13]

Jasco paint and epoxy remover.

[Ken B 3,202]

I use a wire wheel cup on the end of a right angle grinder. It is fast. You need to wear a face shield, a dust mask and some heavy gloves. It would be best to do it outside so as not to get dust all over that clean garage.

[SousaKerry 503]

The E-tank option will remove most paints eventually although it makes one heck of a mess out of your electrolyte. I personally sand blast almost everything in a small blaster at work, you would be surprised at how much you can get done in a few weeks, in 1/2 hour to 45min chunks every night after work

[Wheelamatic 2]

The wire wheel or paint stipper pad on a right angle grinder is very fast. If you use an electric grinder for this make sure that it has a paddle type switch, not one that you lock on! and use the side that pulls the grinder away from you.. When the wire wheel gets hung up, and it will, it will yank it out of your hands away from you and shut off.

Wire wheels on an out of control grinder will flat eat you alive!

[Rooster 192]

Wire wheels on an out of control grinder will flat eat you alive!

And ruin brand new Flannel.....

[Ken B 3,202]

You will no doubt want to use a grinder with a rocker switch. As the other guys mentioned, you really need to watch what you are doing with these high speed grinders with a wire cup on it. (even a blue scotch type disc will do some serious damage) I worked with a guy that never used a face shield while using one, I always warned him but, noooooo. He learned the hard way one day when the wire cup got caught up on something he was stripping. The grinder got jerked and in an instant he lost half of his nose. No exageration either. Even with a rocker switch, if it does get yanked from your hands it won't instantly stop. They turn many rpm's so wear protection.

For me electrolysis is to slow. I used to always use a sandblaster, I used to have a nice heavy duty one. Wayyyyy to messy for my needs.

[Cole 25]

i have used Dad's easy spray paint remover and in 15 minutes the paint bubbles and scrapes right off to the bear metal. you get best results when you brush on and use a wire brush to scrape off.

[can whlvr 994]

i personally use all the methods above,and have had bad expeiences with angle grinders(still use them,today even)but it depends what you are doing and your resources at the time,i have a sand blaster but it eats too much air for my compressor,so i have to take it too a friends shop ,e tank is great but not in winter,im not a fan of chemical but have done it,i find it very messy and dangerous too,get that stuff in your eyes and youl know it,so use them all but be careful

[sorekiwi 761]

Came across this picture yesterday which shows how well electrolysis works at removing paint, and also that there is definately a "line of sight" factor in there as well:

[can whlvr 994]

hey mike thats a great photo,its been a while since i used my tank,but i thought it removed paint too,when i did an auger it was bare when it came out

[HorseFixer 2,013]

Ive done all the ones listed except the electrolysis deal. I have used olixic acid (wood bleach) works great on chrome.

My favorite is blasting but want to do electrolysis to revome paint and worst part of rust to keep from spoiling my abrasive.

in my opinion, The Blastin gives the part to be painted some Tooth and good profile for paint to adhere to.

~Duke