Crazy powder coat removal

[Carl S.]

So, this is really awesome. I picked up another headlight bracket due to one of mine was not the original style and did not match. EBAY for $20 delivered so that was fine.

The problem was it was powder coated. Looked good but not does not match my other one.

Next challenge, How does one remove powder coating?

Blasting Cabinet? = NOPE
Bench Grinder? = NOPE
Paint Stripper? = NOPE

OK, Drastic measures.

Years ago I used some Aircraft Stripper that worked great. I picked up some a few months ago and it wan nothing like before.. Did not do squat. I researched why, seems they had to remove some of the chemicals that did the stripping.

Methylene Chloride- Well, why cant I put it back in.

Ordered some online and some Formic Acid. Another ingredient.

Seems Methylene Chloride dissolves powder coating.

I mixed 75/25 Methylene and Formic acid and HA!

Soaked the piece for 15 minutes and the coating fell off. CRAZY COOL!

[AG81]

I've had luck, with small parts, using heat around 600-700 degrees. Never tried a larger part.

[icarp]

I love that info
Thanks Ian

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by Carl S.

Years ago I used some Aircraft Stripper that worked great. I picked up some a few months ago and it wan nothing like before.. Did not do squat. I researched why, seems they had to remove some of the chemicals that did the stripping.

Same here. I stripped my entire car with the old stuff and I think used less than a gallon. Most parts it lifted right down to the galvanizing in one application I've tried at least 6 different paint strippers that I can buy these days and none of them work worth a damn.

Great recipe!

[Carl S.]

I used goggles, gloves, jacket and a respirator. Did it outside and only brought it in to take the pictures as it was at night.
I do not have a much of a need for this type of stuff. Only once in a while. Just thought is was cool.

[Harpo]

Good to know. Colombia makes a powder coat stripper but they only sell in 5 gallon pails

[stownsen914]

Good info, thank you for sharing. Be damn careful using this stuff of course. If it does that to paint, imagine what it does to lungs, skin, eyes, your kids, etc.

[Flojo]

Originally Posted by Carl S.

Years ago I used some Aircraft Stripper that worked great. I picked up some a few months ago and it wan nothing like before.. Did not do squat. I researched why, seems they had to remove some of the chemicals that did the stripping.

Methylene Chloride- Well, why cant I put it back in.

Ordered some online and some Formic Acid. Another ingredient.

Seems Methylene Chloride dissolves powder coating.

I mixed 75/25 Methylene and Formic acid and HA!

what would be a mixture if one does not have APR in the first place?

[Carl S.]

Not sure what APR is?

I do not recommend this method as I do not know how safe it it. I practiced safe handling ,it is an acid. I only had one piece to do and was amazed at how well it worked and thought I'd share my experience.
I strained the chemicals and stored them in the large glass jug.

If someone else would like to take it further that would be great.

I am back to plating front calipers. Dang, they are tricky.

[lateapex911]

What kind of rinsing will you do to ensure there are no traces that will affect future coating efforts?

[Flojo]

Originally Posted by Carl S.

Not sure what APR is?

Airplane Paint Remover

I understood you had that and used it as a base for your mixture (?)

[Carl S.]

I did a simple water dunk in a 5 gal. bucket, rinse under the sink. I will do a quick etch in diluted muriatic acid and water rinse.
I plan on media blasting, then apply a coating.

This mixture was just the Methylene Chloride and Formic acid.

All the APR that are sold over the counter had the Methylene Chloride removed. Thus they no longer work. I do not know what else was removed. But when you look on the shelves most of the strippers/removers say "non-Methylene Chloride"

I do have a gal of the newer APR and tried to add the MC and Formic Acid back into it. IT worked better but I do not think I added enough.

[carwash]

We used to use a mixture of Methylene Chloride and Hydrofluoric Acid to strip parts. Works well but is insanely caustic. Fumes, contact, the smell, etc... awful stuff.

We now use a product called Greensolv. Works better than any of that. Strips faster, smells tolerable, doesn't eat your bones away, etc lol.

[Carl S.]

Greensolv? I will look into that. Can it be purchased online?

[carwash]

Out of Canada. Contact them directly. Has to be heated to 185 degrees to be effective. Pricey. 55 gallons is $2250.

[carwash]

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