Best way to strip paint from a case?

[ikaika1]

The topic says it all, Im currently using wet sandpaper, but it takes forever and its pretty messy. Im trying to get down to the metal.

 

[bacillus]

silly question but have you tried paint stripper?

 

[pbrain]

i've read to use jasco paint and epoxy remover, though i'm sure you could use any paint remover though. but be careful with the stuff, it will burn right through skin if you touch it.

 

[Jalapeno]

Use a steel wire brush on a drill or sandblast it. Stay away from paint strippers - then it really gets messy and they are not exactly beneficial to your health!

 

[rarebear]

-=rarebear=-
Paint Stripper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Or Paint Thinners

 

[UkimOOse]

Try using purified acetone. Allow it to sit on the surface of the case for a few seconds and watch the majesty of a carboxylic acid eat the paint away.

It did a nice job on the addtronics boxes here at school.

Why you'd want to strip and repaint a case is beyond me, but everyone has to screw up a good case just once.

 

[BA]

Do you want bare metal, or are you just going to paint it?

If you want to paint it, you don't need to get down to bare metal. And I'd just use dry sandpaper while you're taking off paint.

If you want the bare metal, you're still going to need to put some kind of finish on it, or it'll rust FAST.

 

[ikaika1]

My case isnt rusting yet... really... and I do want bare metal, im going for that brushed aluminnum look with a dark grey or black front bezel. I know I'm crazy, but youd have to be crazy to try this.... WATER!

 

[sitka]

ikaika1...

did you do the bubbling window mod?

Nothing beats getting to bare metal than an angle grinder ($50) and one of those heavy wire cup brushes ($20-$50), threaded arbor type. Seems like a lot but money on tools will almost always pay you back. They are a little pricey but you will never regret getting one. They will last a long time if you don't abuse it (work gently on the sharp edges). For instance a friend of mine took all the peeling paint an rust of the steel roof of a barn with one. They are that efficient. Don't forget your glasses though. When the things start to wear out they throw the little wires. They don't hurt too bad but you will find them stuck in your coveralls for months. Once you get the look you want and I think it will look good, just give a light coat of clear paint to beat the rust.

 

[dxkj]

I plan on painting my case, one of the slide off sides are metal with paint on it (I guess) but the top and other side panel are plastic.. can I just use Rustoleum "metallic" on all the surfaces (including the plastic front bezel) and it will work fine?

Thanks...