tashi

I'm sure this has been covered somewhere, but for all my searching, I can't seem to find it. Please post a link if this has already been covered.

I got my mitts on a bike with a crappy rattlecan paint job and I'd like to attempt to remove the rattlecan paint while retaining the original finish that appears to be underneath. This bike is a flipper, but I'd really prefer to put a bike out there that has a nice original finish instead of yet another murdered out fixie.

I'm thinking that there must be some kind of gentle paint stripper product/process that will allow me to remove the poorly adhered rattlecan paint while retaining the decent quality paint underneath. Some kind of "eco" product and some brass or steel wool or stiff plastic brush perhaps?

Any hot tips? Anything to avoid?

(pics on their way, just 'cause)

tashi

Some pics for your assesment/amusement/horror:

Overall:


Original paint - a nice blue?



Remove the parts and decals? Naah, just spray over 'em, it'll look fine...

rhm

Try a variety of solvents, starting small, preferably in places where you don't expect decals. I've had good luck with goof-off, but it really depends on what they used, how long it's been curing, and that kind of thing. Be patient; it may be worth it.

mickey85

I like goof off, I also like rubbing alcohol, and super fine (like 00 grade) steel wool works well as well...

mparker326

Acetone works well.

Im Fixed

Looks like it was sprayed over the clear coat piece of cake....Wet dry sandpapper as fine as possible wet it and start softly lots of water the panit will run off. the paint underneath will be dull when your done so you may want to clear coat it. The decals will fade aswell.

michael k

...

tashi

Thanks guys, I think I'll try out the steel wool and acetone combo or some variant therof. Acetone's good for other stuff so it's an easy choice and I bet it'll be strong enough.

But first I need to unstick the stem AND seatpost. Hmmmm, this one could take some work.

rhm

I'd suggest you leave the steel wool for a later stage of the process. Start out with a paper towel soaked in your first choice of solvent, move on to a paper towel soaked in your second choice of solvent, and so on. Steel wool may prove necessary, but try something softer first.

mickey85

If you can't get out the seatpost by normal means, I'd highly suggest stripping the frame, then putting the post in a pipe vise and twisting the frame - worked for me on an old MTB.

jco1385

i'd work on getting the stem and post un-stuck before i worry about the paint.

cman

I know people that have had luck using Oven Cleaner on frames painted with House Paint.

Torchy McFlux

I've had surprisingly good results with Goof-Off. Still required a lot of work though.

tashi

Yep, that's the plan. First things first, the things gotta work before it's gotta look good!

SingeDebile

lets see some pics when your done!

o0okrakhedo0o

this is exactly what i was looking for! yellow housepaint AND silver spraypaint cover this really interesting hybrid frame i picked up. i can't even see the serials the paint is so thick

Grand Bois

Goof Off is made to do exactly what you want to do. Don't use sandpaper or steel wool.

o0okrakhedo0o

goof off graffiti worked amazingly well, 2 layers of spray paint just peeled off. decided that the rallye ultra light mountain bike which weighed over 20lbs without wheels on it wasn't going to work for me so i put it out for the homeless guys to pickup.

fas2c

Yup me too. I got a Trek that had been rattled. Goof-Off and paper towels worked like a champ. Still lots of rubbing. I would apply let set then come back w/ a saturated towel and wipe.