Removing paint from metal can be a demanding task, especially on sloppy surfaces that start to chip and peek or covered in uneven layers of paint. There are various of purpose why folks need to do this include change the color of a metal piece, door or other items like furniture, or surface looks all gummed up and unattractive.

Still, there are several products on the market to make this job easier. Paint removing from metal is an easy task if you have time and the proper tools. Go through the techniques listed below and learn how to strip paint from metal.

Removing Paint with Chemicals

Step #1 Preparation

You can choose liquid, spay or paste paint removers at hardware. Most will strip the color from a metal door or lamp, but read the instructions to be sure. Whichever you choose, run the task in an adequate-ventilated space, wear safety glasses, respirator, long sleeves and pants to cover skin and use wear gloves.

Step #2 Applying

Use paint stripper on the metal according to the manufacturer’s directions. Paint will blister up from the surface, then chip it off with a paint scraper. Apply a scrubbing pad for the hard-to-reach areas. Rerun stripper and scrape as needed.

Step #3 Finishing

When finished, wipe the material with a cloth dampened with paint thinner, and wash the surface with water. Dry with a clean rag. It's one of the most efficient ways on how to remove spray paint from metal.

Stripping Paint with Heat Gun

It’s the best method to remove old paint from metal.

Step #1 Surface Preparation

Prepare the item for paint removing. Take off all bolts, screws, and attachments, so that you’re only working with the material. Clean it off with a dry cloth so that the old paint is clearly visible.

Step #2 Use Eye Protection

Put a drop cloth beneath the surface to collect all the old paint as it is removed. Put on safety glass and a plug-in heat gun.

Step #3 Performing

Use heat to the surface applying the heat gun according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a slow, steady motion, six inches from the metal is enough. When the paint starts to bubble and curl, take a paint scraper to scrape away the large chunks of gummy paint. Paint will come off quickly in large pieces.

Step #4 Finalize

Use the heat gun solution to all areas of the metal until paint no longer comes out easily. When most of the paint is removed, let the metal to cool at room temp.

Wire Brush as a Paint Remover for Metal

Step #1 Setup the Surface

Wipe the entire surface of a metal with a damp rag before trying to remove any paint. Clean any remaining rust or peeling metal.

Step #2 Use Wire Brush

Apply a wire brush to remove any more difficult areas of rust. Use a firm back and forth action to strip away stubborn areas of loose debris and dirt.

Step #3 Apply Paint Stripper

Remove away the paint from the metal by applying a chemical paint stripper. Use chemical strippers with brushes, then clean it again.

Step #4 Use Sandpaper

First, sand away the paint with metal 90-grit sandpaper, then apply light sanding with 130-grit sandpaper. Run the sandpaper into hard-to-reach areas of the material.

Step #5 Sandblasting

Sandblast off paint from metal applying a sandblaster if needed. These devices are available for sale at home improvement or hardware stores. Placing sand onto the metal surface under strong pressure removes all of the undesirable paint from workpiece.

Step #6 Complete the Task

Clean the entire surface of metal after paint stripping to get a sheen surface.

Paint Scraper, Drop Cloth and  Paint Remover Method

Step #1 Metal Surface Preparation

Prep the work surface by covering the ground with drop cloths. You can use also, recycled newspapers or unfolded cardboard as a substitute for metal protection vs. the chemical stripper you’ll be applying.

Step #2 Safety Measures

It is critical to protect yourself, so wear rubber gloves, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, and pants to cover skin entirely. Avoid inhalation of chemicals' fumes by working in the well-ventilated area and donning a respirator.

Step #3 Use Paint Stripper

Apply a small amount of the chemical into a metal can or glass. With a disposable paintbrush, pour stripper to the metal, and allow it set according to the product manufacturer’s instructions. As it sets, you’ll notice the paint blister up from the surface of the material.

Step #4 Remove the Paint

Use a paint scraper, and take off the blistering paint from all metal flat surfaces. For gaps and difficult-to-reach areas, apply a scrubbing pad or nylon brush and continue to cut away. Rerun stripper and scrape or brush away again as needed until the whole piece is paint free.

Step #5 Use Paint Thinner

Then, dampen a rag with paint thinner and clean the surface. It will chip any remaining scraps of lifted paint and the bunch of the leftover chemical residue.

Step #6 Wipe the Material

Thoroughly wash away the material with water to carefully strip all marks of the stripper, then clean it down using a dry cotton cloth.

Baking Soda as a Paint Stripper for Metal

A useful and quick tip to strip paint from the small metal piece is to simmer it in water and baking soda. So, if you want to know how to remove paint from metal without chemicals, this method can do the job.

Use a pot that is disposable and fill soda halfway with water. Pour it enough into the container with to completely cover the pot bottom. Put material in the pan and let it boil in the water for 30 minutes. Once you pull the hardware out of the pot, you will realize that flacking the paint off is an easy task.

Now, you figure out how to remove paint from metal with baking soda.  

Crock-Pot as Homemade Paint Removal for Metal

If the paint is by mistake sloped over onto switch plates made of metal, a door handle or a keyhole, carefully take off this metal pieces and their screws. Put all the items into a slow cooker, cover with water and mix with 2 tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent. Boil on low overnight.

The paint should chip off quickly. Then, rub off the leftover paint with a toothbrush. You'll need to work swiftly or immerse the metal back into the water often. As the paint hardens once rapidly removed from the slow cooker. Strip all spots of paint and soap before using crock-pot for food preparation.

Useful Tips for Paint Removal

• Methylene chloride removers are ideal when used outside since products with this chemical produce off harsh fumes that need a lot of ventilation. Apply a non-methylene chloride remover if you want to work at home.
• Avoid disposal of chemical paint remover down the drain.
• Stripping multiple layers of paint needs more time and effort. If you are going on a large surface, such as a big metal door, divide the surface into smaller sections. Remove paint from one part before going on to the next area.
• You can use a propane torch to heat the metallic surface to avoid chemical strippers’ usage. Heat can soften the paint, allowing for easier chipping. Don’t do it indoors because of the fire hazard.
• Use 5-gallon bucket of clean water nearby to wash immediately any drop of chemical stripper that touches bare skin.

Safety Measures

Everyone knows that removing of paint might be dangerous, especially chemicals. There are a safety measures precautions you can apply while removing paint with paint stripper.

Protective Equipment

Protective clothing is defined as any piece of clothing or equipment that is needed to prevent or minimize bodily harm. There are 3 things that belongs to this category:

Eye protection—It should at least be safety glasses, but a googles or mask are better in guarding versus splashes.

Clothing—Long sleeves and pants are crucial, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Gloves—If your exposure to the chemicals is going to be for longer time, you should don gloves to protect skin from rashes and burning.

Safety Instructions

Although paint stripper chemicals are useful for striping paint, they are also harmful to use. There are proper and improper ways to use paint remover chemicals. So, read the following instructions on how to protect yourself against paint stripper chemicals:

• Read carefully and follow all safety instructions on the manufacture’
• Always don a safety helmet,
• Always use respiratory protective equipment,
• Always wear safety gloves,
• Always don eye protection,
• Always wear safety boots,
• Avoid to smoke or light a match near these chemicals,
• Keep food and drinks away from work space,
• Work in spaces with proper ventilation,
• Never breath paint thinner,
• Let rags to dry before properly disposing them.