How to Remove the Original Paint from a Car?

[OJune]

Manual paint removal method, mechanical paint removal method, sandblasting paint removal method, electric grinding method, chemical paint removal method, caustic soda paint removal method, etc. Here is a related introduction about car painting: 1. The concept of original factory paint: Original factory paint refers to the paint applied to the car before it leaves the factory. Original factory paint is not just the most visible color layer; car paint generally consists of 3 to 4 layers. Due to factors like process, environment, and cost, later touch-up paint only includes one or two layers of the original factory paint. Moreover, the original factory paint is hardened and dried at around 200°C, while later touch-up paint cannot undergo such high-temperature baking because the car is already assembled with many heat-sensitive materials inside. 2. Precautions for full car repainting: For some car owners, due to poor-quality repair shops, after bodywork and repainting, the entire car's paint surface may become uneven, and issues like paint dots or impurities may appear. In severe cases, paint runs may even occur. Therefore, it is recommended that car owners choose reputable 4S shops or repair shops for repainting. Avoid washing the car or exposing it to other items: For a freshly painted car, it is best not to wash it before the paint has fully dried. It is also advisable not to drive the car in rainy weather to prevent watermarks on the paint. Additionally, avoid letting the paint come into contact with substances like chemicals or grease, as these can damage the car's paint surface. Some repair shops may produce subpar results due to the painter's lack of skill and the use of low-quality paint, giving the paint a cheap appearance. Furthermore, some paint jobs may have significant color discrepancies. Therefore, it is recommended that car owners inspect the paint color under sunlight for a more natural assessment.

[Brian]

I've tried removing car paint myself before, and sanding seems the most economical but time-consuming method. Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper on large areas, applying even pressure to avoid deep scratches. Then smooth the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. For thick or peeling original paint, chemical paint removers work faster: apply, wait 10-15 minutes for softening, then gently scrape with a putty knife. Always work in well-ventilated areas wearing gloves, masks, and goggles. After removal, exposed metal rusts easily - clean thoroughly and apply primer immediately. Test on small areas first to prevent damage. Be patient throughout; rushing compromises safety and risks fires or body damage.

[JordanDella]

When removing the original car paint, I prefer physical methods such as sandblasting or using a grinder. First, use coarse-grit sandpaper or sandblasting equipment to remove the surface paint, controlling the pressure to avoid penetrating the metal; then switch to fine-grit for precision sanding. Although chemical agents are faster, they contain corrosive components, and the car body must be thoroughly rinsed after use to prevent residue from damaging the paint. It's crucial to protect the skin and eyes, and to prevent inhaling dust or fumes; the workspace should be well-ventilated. After removal, rust risks must be addressed: sand the surface smooth and apply epoxy primer to prevent corrosion. The method chosen depends on conditions: small repairs can be done manually, while large areas are quicker with machinery; safety comes first, and professional brand tools are more reliable.

[DelValerie]

In my younger years, I preferred manual sanding for paint removal. Prepare several grades of sandpaper: coarse grit for initial paint layer removal, medium grit for refinement, and fine grit to smooth the body surface. Avoid excessive force to prevent scratching the metal; work in shade to prevent paint softening from sun exposure. Solvents aid softening but beware of fumes—use outdoors with a mask for protection. After removal, exposed metal oxidizes easily—rinse thoroughly with water before applying primer for repainting. The process is slow but meticulousness yields the best results.