How to remove old paint from a metal surface

Depending on the purpose, products for removing old paint and varnish coatings are divided into two categories - special, intended for certain types of paint, and universal, which can be applied to any surface.

When choosing a composition for removing paint and varnish from metal, first of all you need to decide on the release format of the product. Auto chemical manufacturers offer the following options:

Liquid

. Ideal for smooth surfaces. Easily penetrates into pores and cracks of the coating. Such compositions spread well over the surface, which reduces material consumption.

Gel

. Used when working with vertical and inclined planes. Such compositions have high adhesion to various paint and varnish coatings. The product is applied to the surface using a brush or roller.

Aerosol

. The best product for treating hidden cavities and other hard-to-reach areas of the car body. Such compositions do not require the use of auxiliary tools and are easily applied to any surface.

Regardless of the chosen format, paint removers are made based on compounds with high chemical activity - acids, alkalis or organic solvents. If handled carelessly, such compounds can be harmful to human health. That is why before performing work it is necessary to read the operating instructions and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

You should also pay attention to the temperature and conditions of use. Some formulations cannot be used at subzero temperatures, and products with a strong odor must be used exclusively in rooms with a functioning ventilation system.

Top 10. KUDO RU-9001

Rating (2021): 4.60

Long shelf life The remover retains its properties for five years from the date of manufacture - this is one of the highest indicators among analogues.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 255 rub.

• Country Russia
• Type: aerosol
• Volume: 520 ml

A universal product for removing old paint in hard-to-reach places. The unique composition easily copes with most paint and varnish coatings. In most cases, complete paint removal will require re-treating the surface at 5-10 minute intervals. The contents of one cylinder are enough to clean one square meter of area. The product does not have a negative effect on the metal surface. Before subsequent painting, the elements treated with the remover must be degreased.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Economical consumption
• Low toxicity
• Affordable price

• High consumption
• Not suitable for powder coatings

Top 9. Syntilor Hard

Rating (2021): 4.65

The best product for working indoors Neutral odor allows you to work indoors with maximum comfort.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 750 rub.

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• Country Russia
• Type: gel
• Volume: 1000 ml

An industrial product designed for removing particularly durable paint and varnish coatings. The scope of application is not limited to car repairs or household work - the remover can be used on any surfaces made of ferrous metals, including structures painted with compounds of increased chemical resistance. Thanks to its gel-like form, the product does not flow down from inclined planes. The remover belongs to the category of non-flammable materials that can be used even after freezing. The composition operates in a wide temperature range - from +4 to +30 ºС. However, to achieve maximum effect, the ambient temperature must exceed +20 ºС.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Effectively removes multi-layer coatings
• Holds well on inclined surfaces
• Ideal for interior work
• Retains properties after freezing

• High consumption

Top 8. Cleaner-gel Prestige

Rating (2021): 4.70

The most popular product is an excellent paint remover from metal, which has received many positive reviews on the Russian market.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 420 rub.

• Country Russia
• Type: gel
• Volume: 750 ml

A universal remover made from organic solvents. The composition includes a corrosion inhibitor, which helps protect the metal from rust. If you don’t plan to paint your car right now, feel free to choose this product – you won’t find a better option. The composition does not require special storage conditions and can easily withstand low temperatures. The long shelf life allows you to choose the optimal time to complete the work. The product works in a wide temperature range, which allows you to not depend on weather conditions. To completely clean multilayer coatings, the surface will have to be treated several times.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Does not cause metal corrosion
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Low toxic product

• Low efficiency on multi-layer coatings

Criteria for choosing the right product

To choose a paint remover, you need to consider the type of surface and type of application:

1. Universal removers. Suitable for removing paint layers from any type of surface.
2. For metals. Used to remove finish from the surface of ferrous or non-ferrous metals.
3. For the tree. Remove layers of paint from wooden surfaces, taking into account special treatment before removal.

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Technologists recommend planning the process of using the remover in advance. The form of the chosen product depends on this. There are several types of removers on the market: jelly, gel, powder, aerosol. Each option is applicable for a specific type of surface.

Top 7. AGAT Auto Silverline

Rating (2021): 4.70

Wide range of operating temperatures The product retains its performance properties over a wide range of temperatures - from 0 to +20 ºС, which allows work to be carried out almost at any time of the year.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 165 rub.

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• Country Russia
• Type: gel
• Volume: 200 ml

Remover for old paint, made on the basis of organic solvents, which can be applied to any metal surfaces. The composition includes polar aprotic solvents and functional additives that increase penetrating ability and accelerate the work of the drug. The material is applied to the surface using a brush, brush or spatula. Due to the high content of volatile organic compounds, it is best to apply the product outdoors. The exposure time depends on the conditions of use, thickness and nature of the paint coating. The composition is absolutely safe for plastic elements of the car. This feature allows you to reduce the time required to prepare the surface for processing.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Suitable for all painted surfaces
• Economical consumption
• Maintains properties over a wide temperature range

• High VOC content

See also:

• 10 best paints for metal

How to remove paint from plastic

There are a lot of plastic parts on the car body that need painting or removing paint that accidentally gets on them. The difference between plastic and metal in this context is the fact that mechanical and thermal methods are not suitable here. Accordingly, paint can only be removed using chemicals or by heating the part at a certain temperature. Moreover, the choice of one or another product depends, among other things, on what kind of paint is supposed to be removed.

Water-based paint

To remove water emulsion from a plastic surface, the part must be heated to a temperature of +60...+70°C. This can be done using a construction hair dryer (preferably) or a household hair dryer. You need to work carefully so as not to overheat the surface, otherwise you can deform the plastic. At the above temperature, the paint will begin to bubble and swell. In this state, it can be easily removed from the surface mechanically, simply using a rag, a rubber spatula, or another similar tool that will be mechanically safe for the plastic surface.

Top 6. NEOMID paint remover

Rating (2021): 4.75

Best penetrating ability The product penetrates deeply into the base, effectively coping with the removal of multi-layer paint and varnish coatings.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 482 rub.

• Country Russia
• Type: gel
• Volume: 800 ml

The best product for working with multi-layer paint and varnish coatings, made on the basis of methylene chloride, isopropyl alcohol and functional additives that increase the performance properties of the material. Remove old paint can be used indoors and outdoors. The composition removes paint and varnish coatings from wood and metal surfaces. Aggressiveness towards plastic parts somewhat limits the scope of application. When opening the package, special care must be taken - vapors of volatile compounds that pose a health hazard accumulate under the lid.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Easy to apply to vertical surfaces
• High penetrating effect
• Versatility of use

• Short shelf life

Useful tips

It is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

1. The wash must be suitable for its intended purpose. If the composition is intended for metal, using it on a wooden surface is not only ineffective, but also destructive to the material.
2. Universal compositions are capable of removing all types of paint and varnish coatings, but their effectiveness is lower than that of specialized products aimed at specific types.
3. It is hardly worth giving preference to overly active solutions. They are toxic and can sometimes damage the surface. Modern washes from well-known manufacturers have a milder effect, but at the same time they release fewer toxins.
4. It is not recommended to mix different drugs with each other, as the consequences of this are unpredictable.
5. The coating does not always peel off after the first treatment. If the material is covered in several layers, it will need to be processed several times.
6. When working with chemicals, it is necessary to ensure good air circulation in the room - this will help remove toxins.
7. If you have a choice, it is recommended to give preference to gel pastes. They are more expensive than liquids, however, due to the higher concentration of active components, their effectiveness is higher. In addition, it is more convenient to treat vertical surfaces with pastes, since the gel has low fluidity.
8. If the remover contains paraffin (it acts as an evaporation inhibitor), the surface must be degreased. If this is not done, the proper level of adhesion will not arise between the new layer and the base.

The process of washing off paint at home does not require high qualifications and can be carried out by anyone. However, even such simple work is best carried out in strict accordance with the instructions while observing safety precautions.

Top 5. Rector wash

Rating (2021): 4.75

Absolute safety for metal The product is made on the basis of organic solvents, which do not have a negative effect on metal surfaces even if the rules of use are violated.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 220 rub.

• Country Ukraine
• Type: aerosol
• Volume: 520 ml

If you need a universal remover of old paint, there is simply no better product. The product comes in the form of an aerosol can, which is convenient for treating any surface. The unique formula allows you to cope with primers, varnishes, enamels and even thin-layer powder coatings. To increase the effectiveness of the material, all contaminants must be removed from the surface being treated. The product has a neutral odor, does not run off inclined planes and is easily washed off with water. The composition is characterized by increased aggressiveness towards plastic and rubber - when performing work, you should be careful or take care in advance to protect the relevant surfaces.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Removes any paintwork
• Easy to apply
• Does not flow down from inclined surfaces

• Aggression towards plastic parts

Top 4. APS-M10

Rating (2021): 4.80

Best price The product stands out from its analogues due to its affordable price and economical consumption.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 290 rub.

• Country Russia
• Type: liquid
• Volume: 500 ml

A viscous pink liquid with high thixotropy - the product does not form smudges, being evenly distributed over the surface. This property is retained even when processing inclined and vertical planes. Rich color makes it easy to control material consumption. The composition is made on an acid base, which effectively copes with any paint and varnish materials, including powder coatings. Before applying the product, the surface must be cleaned of dirt. When performing work indoors, it is necessary to take care of ventilation in advance. Otherwise, only a professional respirator will help save you from the unpleasant odor.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Safe for ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• Evenly distributed over the surface
• Can be applied by airless spray
• Economical consumption

• Unpleasant smell

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Top 3. Hi-Gear Quick & Safe Paint & Gasket Remover

Rating (2021): 4.85

Universal product The special composition allows you to easily remove not only old paint, but also traces of gaskets, sealant and glue.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 805 rub.

• Country: USA
• Type: aerosol
• Volume: 400 ml

If you prefer to maintain your own car yourself, there is simply no better solution. Upon completion of painting work, the composition can be used when repairing components and assemblies to quickly remove old gaskets and various contaminants. The product is released in aerosol form, which makes it easy to treat textured surfaces and minor defects that require targeted treatment. Despite the high chemical activity, when removing multi-layer coatings, the surface has to be treated twice, which often leads to overspending of the product - one cylinder may not be enough to clean one body element of a passenger car.

Advantages and disadvantages

• No ozone-depleting components
• Removes any paintwork
• Does not form smudges
• Chemically polishes the surface

• High price

Advantages and disadvantages of the chemical method

This method is attractive due to its simplicity of execution. It does not require physical effort to achieve results. But it requires patience, especially when working with slow-acting agents. And the range of products allows you to choose an effective composition for any type of paint.

Among the disadvantages of the method is the need to spend money on products from the store. Or time to prepare folk remedies. In addition, the chemical components are toxic. Therefore, working with them is associated with health risks. Especially in closed spaces. Therefore, when chemically cleaning metal, it is necessary to observe all safety measures and not neglect gloves and respirators.

Top 2. HB BODY 700

Rating (2021): 4.87

Best value for money Despite its affordable price, the product effectively removes any paint coating from metal surfaces.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 442 rub.

• Country: Greece
• Type: gel
• Volume: 500 ml

A universal product that can be used to remove old paint and clean tools when carrying out painting work. The remover is made on the basis of organic solvents. This is the best solution for delicate cleaning of car body parts - the product does not have a negative effect on metal, working exclusively against paint and varnish materials. The composition begins to act almost immediately after application to the surface. A brush or roller is used as an auxiliary device - the composition is not thick enough for a spatula. The old coating can be removed with a scraper or spatula after 10-15 minutes.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Economical consumption
• Completely absorbed into the base
• Effective instantly
• Does not flow down from inclined surfaces

• High toxicity
• Highly flammable

Precautionary measures

Pay attention to the metal that needs to be cleaned and its condition. If it is quite fragile, aggressive methods may harm it. One that is well preserved will easily withstand the influence of a blowtorch, hard brushes, a hair dryer, etc.

It is worth thinking about your own safety when working with tools and chemicals, wear appropriate protection: gloves, goggles, respirator, helmet, etc. Health is the most important thing; in the event of an accident, it cannot be restored at any cost.