The Best Way to Remove Paint From Metal

For a while, you have been staring at the faded metal chair on your deck and decided that it was time to paint it or replace it. Although you are tempted to paint it, you aren't sure how to go about it. You're likely asking the most important question: "How can I remove paint from metal?"

This is a common question. Luckily, we have the answers you need to make this a DIY project. We will show you how to remove paint from metal and give you tips about the tools and supplies that you will need.

Remove Paint from Metal

There are many ways to remove metal paint. Let's take a look at some of the most common and best methods.

How to Remove Metal Paint with Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used in many households as a cleaning agent. Baking soda can also be used for removing paint from metal, which you might not know.

Mix water and baking soda in a 16-to-1 ratio (one quart of water to 1/4 cup baking soda). This will remove paint from small metal objects. Bring the solution to a gentle boil, and then place the metal item in the solution for about 15 minutes. There are other options if your metal item is too big to boil.

After the item has been submerged for a minimum of 15 minutes, you can remove it. Any remaining paint should be easy to remove. Baking soda can be used to remove paint from metal. This may lead to the question: Will vinegar remove paint? It will. You can even substitute vinegar for baking soda to achieve the same results.

User for small items such as door hinges and tools that have accidentally been painted.

Use Paint Stripper to Remove Paint from Metal

Paint strippers can be used to remove large items that are too large to boil. Paint stripper is available at your local hardware store or home improvement shop. The paint stripper can be applied with a brush or a rag. The paint stripper is chemically-based so make sure to ventilate the area you are working in. Paint stripper should be applied outside, where ventilation is possible. This is the best way to remove spray paint from metal.

Best Use For: Larger items, outdoor items and spray paint. Fixed items are also a good option.

Heat Gun to Remove Paint

A heat gun is another effective way to remove paint from metal. You can remove paint from metal surfaces by applying heat. The paint will crackle and peel as it heats up. To remove the paint from the metal surface, you can use a scraper/wire brush. Protective goggles or gloves are recommended to minimize injury. After the old paint is removed, don't apply any new paint to the metal surface until it has completely cooled.

Small to medium-sized items are best. You can also use it to target small areas on larger items.

Use an Angle Grinder to Remove Paint

A grinder is a fastest and most efficient way to remove paint from metal. Wear safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when using a power drill to remove paint from metal. Also, make sure you use a grinder that won't cause damage to the metal underneath the paint.

There are many grinder attachments available that can do the job. Although a wire wheel is extremely effective, it will also produce the most debris. It is best, to begin with a gentler method. You can start by using a flap disk. They are available in many grits (abrasiveness). You can always switch to a coarser or wire after you have started.