Pics: How would you strip this (muffler) paint?

[Danny_Ocean]

I'm trying to get the last traces of the original paint from my 2.4 muffler. I've done several coats of "aircraft stripper" (nasty stuff!), steel wool (00), pressure-washer, sandpaper & wire brush. This stuff is solidly baked-on from 30+ yrs. of heating/cooling cycles.

I guess my last resort will be some sort of blasting, but not sure what type of media to use that will preserve the metal surface.

[RWebb]

Why go to all that trouble?

Just paint over the old...

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by RWebb

Why go to all that trouble?

Just paint over the old...

I'm obsessive-compulsive... But, I'm afraid you are offering the best advice...lots of work so far and it still looks bad, with no apparent hope of removing the remaining paint.

Actually shooting for a vintage patina'ed look (see how nice the tips/muffler ends look? They were black when I started...).

Here's my goal:

[EarlyPorsche]

Well you're not going to have any "patina" if you strip to look new. I guess I just don't understand but I will try and help you.

Aircraft stripper has very limited uses and this is not one of them. It is for a piece that CANNOT be sand or media blasted because the piece would warp. For example a hood would be stripped using paint stripper or sanding but not blasting. A muffler you would always sand blast. There are many companies that do blasting and it shouldn't cost much to get done. Good luck on your journey but like Webb said, you can paint right over that stuff and you will still get a nice smooth finish because muffler paint fills well.

[Carrman]

Sand blast is what I've done in the past for mufflers and heat exchangers. Take it to a shop, they'll charge $10 or whatever, and it will be completely stripped in 5 minutes. It is very thick metal, blasting is fine, it won't warp or anything.

I then resprayed out of a gun with the proper VHT grey paint from Stoddard, and the finish lasts a long time.

Not so sure about painting over old paint. I guess it would work. Not how I like to do things, though.

[Danny_Ocean]

Not trying for "new", just paint-free.

Will blasting pit the metal?

Originally Posted by EarlyPorsche

Well you're not going to have any "patina" if you strip to look new. I guess I just don't understand but I will try and help you.

Aircraft stripper has very limited uses and this is not one of them. It is for a piece that CANNOT be sand or media blasted because the piece would warp. For example a hood would be stripped using paint stripper or sanding but not blasting. A muffler you would always sand blast. There are many companies that do blasting and it shouldn't cost much to get done. Good luck on your journey but like Webb said, you can paint right over that stuff and you will still get a nice smooth finish because muffler paint fills well.

[Dueller]

Find a company in your area that rebuilds electrical transformers. As them to toss your muff in the dip tank. It will come out shinny new and won't harm the metal.

[Danny_Ocean]

Do they use an acid dip? I'm thinking a furniture refinishing company may be more agreeable to dipping my muff. Not aware of any electrical-transformer rebuilding companies here.

Originally Posted by Dueller

Find a company in your area that rebuilds electrical transformers. As them to toss your muff in the dip tank. It will come out shinny new and won't harm the metal.

[RWebb]

bead or soda blast - see how that works

as note above, you will work hard over the next couple years or more to get a patina. Is it stainless? If not, then you'll get a 'paina' of rust & Eastwood muffler tmt (not really a 'paint') is good

[Danny_Ocean]

I believe it is stainless.

Originally Posted by RWebb

bead or soda blast - see how that works

as note above, you will work hard over the next couple years or more to get a patina. Is it stainless? If not, then you'll get a 'paina' of rust & Eastwood muffler tmt (not really a 'paint') is good

[javadog]

You might talk to a blasting outfit in your area. Both sand and glass beads will etch the surface somewhat. I'd ask about using walnut shells.

JR

[911Freak]

Have it blasted with "walnut shell", many powder coating shops, metal fabricator shops use this method..It is the preferred method for many resto shops here on the west coast...Gentle but very quick and effective...