what are you opinions on paint stripper

[84chevysilverado]

Just wanted an opinion from some of u paint guru's out there. I got a new box so last night i started sandin the paint to bare metal which is taking forever because the box has so many diffrent coats of paint on it. Right now im using an orbital sander but i got thinking what about automotive paint stripper? whats the best company and does it work good? thanks marc

[jaredts]

I'm not a guru and I don't remember brands, but paint stripper is definitely a time saver if you're going to bare metal.  It's messy, though.

[80stepsideguy]

Get  what they call aircraft remover.I think advance auto or autozone sells it.If not your local paint store does. MAKE SURE you put on gloves , not the blue latex but the heavy green ones.this stuff is nasty if you get it on you.Also once your done dispose of it properly cause now you got hazardous waste.And once your to bare metal.Wash it down real good with lacquer thinner and use a self etching or epoxy primer over the bare metal and your good to go...

hope this helps some
thanks
pat

[84chevysilverado]

ok thanks so how do i use it put some on a rag and wipe the box and then scrape it off? And if its really messy should i do it ouside? 

[jaredts]

Just go to Autozone or similar and pick some up.  Read the directions on the back.  It will burn your skin, so use high quality gloves as suggested.  Spread it on with an old brush and wait.  Once the paint bubbles up scrape it off with a putty knife.  Put an old tarp or plastic on the ground and do it outside if you can.  You can do it inside if its well ventilated and you don't mind some stains on your floor.  If its several layers of paint you may have to apply more than once.  Follow the directions, but I think you have to neutralize it afterwards with some cheap detergent and lots of water.  Then clean with thinner.  D/A sand, clean with wax remover and spray with your primer of choice.  Once you get to the water stage you obviously have to move as fast as possible to get it under primer and avoid surface rust.  As far as disposing of the old goop that you scrape off I think your o.k. to let it dry for several days and then throw it in the trash.  Right or wrong that's the process I have used.  Most important is to follow the directions on the product you buy.

[80stepsideguy]

1 other note to add put long sleeve shirt on this stuff will sling and get on your arms as well.And when you put it on go with the grain .Like wood when you stain it go in 1 direction not side to side..Best to do this outside or in a garage...

thanks
pat

[baddogg79]

And use safety glasses! That stuff if nasty, i have used it before and its a great time saver when used right. Like said before, read the directions and u will be fine.

[84chevysilverado]

ok thanks alot guys il get some tonight sounds like pretty nasty stuff so il be super carefull. il let ya no if i run into problems and how it turned out

[HAULIN IT]

One note of caution I would like to add to all of the good information above. It's best to mask off an inch or so over the seams, edges, stake pockets, tail lamp recesses & even over molding trim holes with 2 or 3 layers of masking tape. As mentioned, the stuff can be a real time saver, however if you get "happy" slopping it around, it can create just as many problems as it solves. In short use it only where you need it, guard the surrounding areas like a new born. Think before slopping!
 One other thing, if your bed has any body filler in it, the stripper will attack it...you MUST remove all of it! It will be soft & unstable after the stripper gets to it. Hope this helps, Lorne

[80stepsideguy]

Haulin made a good comment on tape.If you can get the metal tape and as well get a spreader and squeege all the tape down so it is down and tight.Regular tape will get soft and lose its stickiness.

thanks
pat

[VileZambonie]

I've gotten this stuff in my eyes and it hurts! Make sure you wear safety glasses. It works really good though if you're looking to strip a panel bare. I use a paint brush or you can buy the aerosol but be careful of the areas you don't want stripped!

[jaredts]

I know it tingles and hurts when you get it on your hands.  In your eyes, though!  That probably feels like habanero eyedrops!

[VileZambonie]

It splattered back and went in both my eyes and It hurt and blurred my vision for almost 2 days! I had safety glasses on too and took them off and of course that's exactly when it happened. Not fun!

[84chevysilverado]

thanks for all the great tips. So last night i started one box side i must say it took a while to get through the clear coat. Before i even started i quick sanded the box with 60 grit sand paper thought that might help. but once i was through the clear coat it worked pretty slick. What i wasn't expecting is how cheap it was. it was a happy surprise that a gallon cost 35 bucks. Also i didn't no it was a jell i was expectin something like water.I did find some body filler but im takin everything to bare metal any way. Now about neutralizin the paint stripper i tried water as stated but with no such luck it just kept on bubbling away any other ways to do this? thanks marc

[jaredts]

Powdered detergent and water.  I used "old dutch" available at dollar stores for a buck or so.  Wet the panel and sprinkle it liberally and scrub with an old scotch brite pad.  Rinse with a ton of water and blow it dry with compressed air.  Then D/A sand the entire panel (even spots that look like clean metal).  You might do the soap and water routine again after that before cleaning with wax/grease remover and priming.