How to Strip Paint From Metalwork

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

Things You'll Need

• Phone Books
• Clean Rags
• Paint Strippers
• Wire Brushes
• Mineral Spirits
• Newspaper
• Primers
• Rust-inhibiting Primers

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Instructions

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

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

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. Go over the clean metal with a wire brush.

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).