Skip to main content

I picked up a small collection of old cast metal cars and trucks that are in generally good shape, but badly need to be repainted and about half don't have wheels. Wheels I can do, but how do I strip the paint from this old metal? I've used brake fluid to remove paint from plastics and have some left. I could save a bit if I could use it, but if there's something better I'd like to know.

Also, where can I get the frosted "glazing" used in old tinplate building windows to diffuse the interior light?

Thanks.
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Once any movable parts have been taken off, cast metal cars can be stripped with paint remover. Then carefully cleaned and dried before repaniting.

For frosted glazing, I use some 600 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper on one side of the clear styrene sheet in a circular motion, until the it is evenly hazed over.
Wipe it clean and put the sanded side inside.

Ed Bommer
My favorite paint remover is that purple degreaser stuff. The big brand is "Purple Power", but there are many clones. Just look for a purple colored gallon container. Try WalMart.

Just cover whatever you want to strip with this stuff, full strength. It will take 1 to 24 hours, depending. (on what? I have no idea.) It does an amazing job on metal. Works on plastic, too. I have never seen it attack any plastic, but no promises, so be careful.

You can reuse it, too. Just let the old paint sink to the bottom and pour the clean stuff back into the container.

If you are in a hurry, the old claim about boiling metal parts in laundry detergent dissolved in water actually works as well, at least for many kinds of paint. But the purple stuff is the best.
I use 91% isopropyl alcohol to strip most paint. Drug store bottles for a couple bucks. Let it soak, has worked for most paints for me.

If they are metal cars, you cold always use a mini sand blaster called an Air Eraser. They are anywhere from $40 to $100 and you can run standard baking soda through them as your medium.
Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×