What are the methods for removing old paint?

[Peterson]

Methods for removing old paint from cars include sandblasting, manual paint removal, mechanical paint removal, chemical paint removal, electric grinding, and flame scraping. Among these, manual paint removal, mechanical paint removal, and chemical paint removal are more commonly used. More related information is as follows: 1. Chemical paint removal involves using paint strippers to remove old paint films. Commonly used strippers in the past were T-1 and T-2. T-1 stripper is a milky paste-like liquid composed of ketone, alcohol, benzene, and ester solvents mixed with an appropriate amount of wax, primarily used to remove old paint films of oil-based paint, ester gum paint, and phenolic paint. T-2 stripper is a mixture of ketone, alcohol, ester, and benzene solvents, with stronger paint film swelling ability and faster removal speed than T-1, mainly used to remove old paint films of oil-based paint, alkyd paint, and nitro paint. 2. Manual paint removal is a common method in painting work and the only method for partially removing old paint films. It mainly relies on tools such as scrapers, knives, wire brushes, and sandpaper to remove old paint from the surface of car body components. This method is simple but labor-intensive and inefficient. 3. Mechanical paint removal uses electric or pneumatic tools, such as wire wheels, wire grinders, and dry/wet sandpaper grinders, to replace manual scraping and grinding. This method not only improves work efficiency but also reduces labor intensity, making it a widely used paint removal method in the car body repair industry.

[LilahLee]

As an ordinary person who enjoys handling minor car issues myself, I think there are quite a few methods for removing old paint. The most commonly used is mechanical sanding, like me directly using sandpaper or a sander to slowly grind off the old paint, but it's time-consuming and labor-intensive, and you have to be careful not to damage the substrate. Chemical paint strippers are also an option—apply it, wait for it to bubble, then scrape it clean. It's simple to operate but requires wearing gloves and a mask to prevent skin contact with chemicals. Heat guns or infrared heating devices are also convenient, heating and softening the paint so it scrapes off easily, suitable for large-area work, but home use has higher safety requirements. If the old paint is particularly stubborn, a sandblaster is more efficient, though this is a bit more professional. From a cost-saving perspective, I usually test the method on a small area first to ensure the surface is smooth before spraying new paint, which also boosts DIY satisfaction.

[Jess]

In the automotive restoration community, people often discuss mechanical, chemical, and thermal methods for removing old paint. Mechanical methods include sanding, sandblasting, and other physical removal techniques, which are time-consuming but offer precise control. Chemical paint removers are divided into solvent-based and water-based types, providing fast reaction and high efficiency after application. Heat guns and infrared lamps offer quick and safe softening treatment through heating. I usually choose appropriate methods based on different body parts, such as using a grinder for flat surfaces and applying paint remover with a brush for detailed areas. Time control and tool maintenance are crucial to avoid over-processing and damaging the base layer. Regularly checking tool conditions can also improve efficiency and ensure uniform removal.

[KingstonFitz]

When dealing with old paint, I prioritize safety precautions. It's essential to wear goggles and a mask to prevent dust inhalation, which can harm the lungs, and to avoid irritation from chemical vapors in the respiratory system. Ensure good ventilation and avoid working in confined spaces. In terms of methods, be cautious when using a heat gun as high temperatures can burn your hands. Keep chemicals away from fire sources to prevent fires. Always conduct a small area test first to minimize risks and avoid complete failure. After the task, clean up the site to protect the environment, with safety being the top priority.