jasonam

I am new at building a bike from scratch. I have everything off the frame except for the paint. I am worried about using a sanding approach since I don't want to create assymetries or other frame defects, so I am looking for maybe a chemical-based solution that I can firmly rub on to remove the paint or something of this sort. Any experience/ideas?

I_bRAD

There's a reason it's painted you know

wiliermdb

What is the frame material? If it's steel or aluminum and is not a bonded frame (welded only) then you can use a product called Aircraft stripper. You usually have to get it from an automotive paint supply store. I've used this product in bike restorations as well as classic and muscle car restorations with excellent results.

This product will remove ANYTHING, including your skin so be very careful, wear proctive gloves, eye protection and read the instructions. Once you have it on and the paid just shrinks and wrinkles, use a metal putty knife and gently scrape off the now soft paint. It may take a couple of coats to do the job. I put down a drop cloth to catch the chemical and paint. Ball it up and stick it in the trash.

A pressure washer will usually clean off the remaining paint if you have to apply a light coat the 2nd time around. I did a frame like this about 2 weeks ago and the painter really liked the strip job.

DRietz

Dr. Deltron, our resident frame-painter-extraordinaire, recommended for me to pick up some Jasco Paint and Epoxy remover. You can buy it at OSH or something similar at your favorite hardware store. It works very well.