How to Remove Paint Buildup From Metal Surfaces

The best way to remove paint from metal is with heat.

Whether you are preparing to repaint, or simply want to restore metal to its original finish, the first step is to remove the old paint. If the metal has been painted several times, the paint has built up to a thickness that will take some work to remove. You can apply heat to the paint to remove it from the metal, but it takes a while, so allow plenty of time for the project.

Things You'll Need

• Crock pot
• Water
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Tongs
• Newspaper
• Nylon brush

Instructions

1. Place the metal objects into a large crock pot. Only use a crock pot that you don't use for cooking food, or purchase an extra one at a yard sale.

2. Fill the crock pot with enough water to completely submerge the metal items.

3. Add 2 tbsp. of liquid laundry detergent to the water and plug the crock pot's cord into an electrical outlet. Set the temperature dial on the crock pot to medium.

4. Put the lid on the crock pot, if possible, and allow it to cook for at least 12 hours.

5. Remove the lid from the crock pot and remove the metal objects from it using tongs. Lay the objects on a layer of newspaper.

6. Scrub the surface of the metal immediately with a nylon brush to remove the paint from the metal.

Tips & Warnings

• If the metal is too large for a crock pot, apply a non-methylene chloride paint stripper to the surface using a paint brush. Allow the chemical to sit until the paint softens, usually two to three hours, and scrape it off with a putty knife.

• If the metal object is located outside, you can use a methylene chloride paint stripper that will work in one hour.

References

• This Old House: How to Strip Paint from Hardware
• The Natural Handyman: Stripping Paint From Metal Before Repainting