Bicycle Mechanics - Stripping Paint

I am trying to strip a GT Windstream frame. I used spray foam oven cleaner first, without much effect. Then I used zip-strip marine grade paint stripper, which is supposed to remove layers of paint but the maroon paint on this frame is not showing any intent to be removed. Wonder if wirebrush/sanding is the only altrnative!

Take the frame to a shop that does power coating and they should have a bead blaster to strip the paint. A wire brush or sanding will remove metal.

I suspect the frame is already powder coated and will require a torch or oven baking to get it off. Roger

if your frame is aluminum make sure that if you take it to a shop they aware of this, aluminum will turn dead soft at 350 degrees f.

See if an aircraft/epoxy stripper is stronger than your marine grade.

media-blast with walnut shells or some kind of softer media.

. Wonder if wirebrush/sanding is the only altrnative!

NO!!!!!!!

First, rinse off all the stuff you have applied already and dry the frame.

NOW, get some Jasco Paint & Epoxy Remover (water rinseable variety) and apply it going in ONE direction only!
Lay it on thick.

WAIT an hour.

Clean with BRASS bristled wire brush and paper towels.
Rinse & repeat.
3 apps usually gets it all off.

This is recommended for paint AND POWDERCOATING!!!!!!

Powdercoating is SUPPOSED to RESIST ABRASION!

Hence, sanding or blasting is futile and can cause damage to the frame. Walnut shells are far too expensive and as they are softer than sand, less effective.
As for using a torch or oven to remove paint...that's pretty neandertahl. :rolleyes:

Good luck AK!