How To

How to Strip Paint From Metalwork

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(17 Ratings)

Recover fine details hidden by paint by stripping that wrought ironwork or patio furniture.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Be sure the workpiece is all metal. Sometimes old items such as fire surrounds are plaster and wood made to look like metal. Knocking on the item will usually reveal a telling echo if it's metal.

  2. Step 2

    Lay out several layers of newspaper in a well-ventilated area.

  3. Step 3

    Use a chemical stripper designed for metals. Strippers come in liquid and gel forms and can take anywhere from a few minutes to hours to work.

  4. Step 4

    Read and follow the directions for your stripper carefully. Each type has different methods of application and removal (see Related eHows).

  5. Step 5

    Follow the paint stripper with a layer of rust killer. You can find brands that also act as a primer - this will save you the step of priming the metal.

  6. Step 6

    Go over the clean metal with a wire brush.

  7. Step 7

    Finish the stripping by washing the metal with mineral spirits on a clean, soft rag.

Tips & Warnings
  • Make sure you know what type of metal you're dealing with. Wrought iron can easily be stripped with a propane torch, but cast iron has a tendency to crack. You may have to take the piece in to a metalworker to find out.
  • For less mess, consider taking smaller pieces such as chairs to a sandblaster (look in the phone book).

Comments  

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on 9/7/2009 Thnx for the tips! Looks like I'm gonna be doin' some strippin' today, and I wanted to see what other people do.

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