Paint striping

vernlee · 05-12-2008, 11:15 AM

Im going to start tonight taking the paint off the 66 coupe,whats the best way to get the job done ? I don't want to sandblast,Ithought I would try the DA and see how it goes, I could use some chemical stripper but I don't want to very bad.I know there is no easy way,just wondered how most you guys do it ?
Vern

Nick.Simonds · 05-12-2008, 11:22 AM

I believe most everyone on here uses chemicals. Aircraft stripper. Lay it on and use a putty knife to scrape off, then get it with the DA to get the remaining stuff.

Adrenolin · 05-12-2008, 11:46 AM

I agree with not sand blasting. However if you have access to a good pressure washer you might want to reconsider sand. "Wet Sand Blasting" as I call it is great, fast and fairly cheap. There is no dust so you don't have to worry about the silica dust and its harmful issues (besides 1 day isn't gonna hurt you), the water keeps the metal cold so no metal distortion and it only takes a few hours. You WILL need a decent compressor as you'll need to blow out all the sand afterwards and a good heat gun or 2 as well. Sand gets everywhere inside the car and in areas like the rockers, inside the seat platform, etc the sand can build up since its wet. We blasted the entire car and then pressure washed it with water only to get most out. Then started with the air handle attachment on the compressor to start blowing out the sand while setting the heat gun on those areas to dry it out and then air blast it clean. Spent 4 to 5 hours stripping it and then the next day to clean it all out.

We just did this about 2 weeks ago to our car and it took 4 to 5 hours to blast the entire car, minus the bottom as I didn't have the car up yet. I use 27 x 40Kg bags of Silica Sand at 8.49 per bag so it only cost me 230.00 bucks. It stripped off 3 layers of paint and the original primer which was hard! I've stripped cars with chemicals and another entire car with a DA and never again! I figure 230.00 bucks and 4 to 5 hours as to the time spent and cost with chemicals and/or sandpaper and wire wheels and its hands down wet sand blasting all the way.

Please note however that even though there is little to no dust you should still wear a filter over your nose and mouth, safety glasses and a full face shield as the sand does bounce back at you. Safety is always number one!

Which ever way you go good luck!