HD paint stripper?

[87 Pete]

I've been trying to strip the paint off of a door, and the black lacquer comes off no problem, but the grey factory primer is incredibly stubborn. Multiple coats of stripper will barely touch it.

Oddly, the chip guard paint/primer on the lower door and rockers comes off very easily right to the metal, but the rest of the primer won't budge.

I've tried "aircraft" stripper from the autobody store as well as home depot stuff.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? Is there something special that professional autobody guys use?

Pete

 

[JP87GN]

We just use the aircraft stuff from the Autobody store. One trick is to put the stripper on and then cover it with plastic so all the vapors don't get away and have more effect on the paint. It won't hurt to try!

 

[Red Regal T]

What are you using to scrape it off? I razor blades in a holder. Also, be sure to have the coarsest grade of steel wool, rags, and lacquer thinner. I know what you're talking about. That factory epoxy primer is tough. Another thing I've found is that the home depot stripper is just as good as the aircraft stripper for a lot less.

 

[Red Regal T]

What are you using to scrape it off? I use razor blades in a holder. Also, be sure to have the coarsest grade of steel wool, rags, and lacquer thinner. I know what you're talking about. That factory epoxy primer is tough. Another thing I've found is that the home depot stripper is just as good as the aircraft stripper for a lot less.

 

[87 Pete]

What are you using to scrape it off? I use razor blades in a holder. Also, be sure to have the coarsest grade of steel wool, rags, and lacquer thinner. I know what you're talking about. That factory epoxy primer is tough. Another thing I've found is that the home depot stripper is just as good as the aircraft stripper for a lot less.

I tried using a razor blade in a holder yesterday, and had some success. The stripper softens the paint and the razor slices off a thin sheet of the primer. I guess the trick is keeping the razor at a very low angle to the metal, so you don't gouge it.

I'm still trying to find an aggressive solvent to get off the last bits of primer, lacquer thinner seems kind of weak/slow.

I know a DA sander would make quick work of this but I am trying to keep the factory galvanizing intact, as I don't know how long it will be before I am able to prime everything.

Pete

 

[Red Regal T]

If you let it sit around stripped, it's gonna start to rust almost immediately. You could get some OSPHO (phosphoric acid), put it in a spray bottle and soak it with it. This will keep it from rusting. You'll have to sand it with 220 when you're ready to prime it.

Yes, you have to be careful not to gouge it when using razor blades. Use the coarse steel wool with lacquer thinner, and stripper to get off the last of the primer. Just scrub it. Works well.

 

[87 Pete]

I tried some scotch-brite and MEK on the last remaining gray primer, it made short work of it. The fumes are pretty nasty though, I really need to wear my mask more often

Pete

 

[Kenny E]

stripping paint and primer

I used a 4" pad and a box of red Scotch Brite pads with my little air grinder and made short work of it. The pads are I believe 80 grit, wiped it down and shot it with etching primer and then sealed it up. Like Red says you gotta cover it up and seal it.