Quote Originally Posted by Cepasaccus View Post
How can paint be stripped? Solvent? Sand blasting?
Several ways, but at home probably two that work. Paint stripper, but not the tame version the HSE in the UK has left us with.
For old types of paint especially the kinds found on vintage machinery and indeed safes, it is oil based and usually of a lead base too. This makes it toxic to humans.
So a stripper containing Dychloromethane Methanol are substances used in commercial strippers and now banned at DIY centres. But it works, again though it is dangerous stuff to the uninitiated. I used this internally on the safe. Externally an angle grinder with a selection of brutal wire wheels, but dealing with rust and old paint it works very well. However in both cases you need to protect yourself from fumes and dust as well as bits and pieces that fly off, like wire wheel fragments.
Of course the old method of simple hard work with scrapers is viable too, on metal it isn't difficult, just physical. On wood best left to another method, perhaps a hot air gun and scrapers.
Commercially bead blasting is not as intrusive or damaging as sand blasting and in some cases a dip in a caustic mix is an option.
Much depends on what you are dealing with, but lead paint is something that must be taken seriously or possibly face dementia in later life. In all cases protecting yourself is vital.
Steve.