Paint Stripper

[custodian]

What would be a good paint stripper to remove single layers of paint off at a time? My 73 has been painted several times and would like to slowly get down to the original paint.

 

[waterpirate]

I have used the non toxic citrus strip and it seemed to take off the paint 1 layer at a time. Pain in my a$$, but it might be just what you are after.
Eric

 

[fast 99]

As soon as any stripper is used surface needs to go to metal. I used aircraft stripper, neutralized with water. Like everything automotive and especially refinish products take a big *** of cash.
Just purchased 1 gallon of surfacer $429 + $202 for catalyst.

 

[Ricko1966]

Wet it with gasoline see if that's enough,a lot of time soaking enamel in gas is enough to cause it to lift,but won't hurt a factory finish. Next on the list lacquer thinner same deal it will lift most finishes but not the factory paint its just a hotter solvent than gas. Lastly physically sand it start using finer grits as you start seeing factory paint. I have also taken off spray paint vandalism with the buffing pad and rubbing compound.

 

[custodian]

I have used the non toxic citrus strip and it seemed to take off the paint 1 layer at a time. Pain in my a$$, but it might be just what you are after.
Eric

How long did it take to work. Working on one area at a time, fender, front part of bed side, etc....

 

[waterpirate]

Took like 30 minutes to soften the paint, then removed the paint with coarse green scrub pads, rinsing in water.
Eric

 

[custodian]

Took like 30 minutes to soften the paint, then removed the paint with coarse green scrub pads, rinsing in water.
Eric

Doesn't sound that bad. Not in a hurry.

 

[waterpirate]

Let us know how it goes!
Eric

 

[Camar068]

I have used the non toxic citrus strip and it seemed to take off the paint 1 layer at a time. Pain in my a$$, but it might be just what you are after.
Eric

you can put the citristrip, in a small section, the put saran wrap over it and let it sit for 24 hours. See how much comes off. The saran wrap keeps the citristrip gel moist and doesn't let it dry. Makes it "a little goes a long way".

 

[CalSgt]

What would be a good paint stripper to remove single layers of paint off at a time? My 73 has been painted several times and would like to slowly get down to the original paint.

Honestly man, I don't think theres any way to strip a layer at a time & not have it turn out looking like a chewed on half dissolved jaw breaker.

Why the desire to strip a layer at a time if I may ask?

 

[custodian]

Honestly man, I don't think theres any way to strip a layer at a time & not have it turn out looking like a chewed on half dissolved jaw breaker.

Why the desire to strip a layer at a time if I may ask?

Not taking it all the way to metal at this time.

 

[CalSgt]

Not taking it all the way to metal at this time.

Get yourself a DA and some 120 grit paper and feather the whole thing out.

ETA: Unless the paint has major flaws like crowes feet, cracks, peeling or curdling or theres old body work failing, I don't recommend taking it down to bare steel. Feathering out the existing paint fills low spots and gets thin on high spots, it's like free primer.

 

[custodian]

Get yourself a DA and some 120 grit paper and feather the whole thing out.

ETA: Unless the paint has major flaws like crowes feet, cracks, peeling or curdling or theres old body work failing, I don't recommend taking it down to bare steel. Feathering out the existing paint fills low spots and gets thin on high spots, it's like free primer.

Reworking some long ago body work that has cracked and bubbled. I have an orbital sander with the Velcro attachment.

 

[Ricko1966]

Lacquer thinner will take off,most refinishes,and leave the factory finish on the car. Thats why we were able to shoot Lacquer on a repaint over factory finish,but if you shot it over an enamel repaint it would lift. I'm sure some of you have shot incompatible paints and watched ever thing desolve and crinkle up.