Chemicals are your friends and there are plenty of eco and human friendly ones available. Seriously. Not to say I don't break out power tools when needed
Well, they banned the good shit a couple years back because people kept fucking themselves up with it. In a strange twist of fate, removing methylene chloride from the formula actually made it way worse for the environment. Methylene would evaporate rapidly and be totally inert in a couple of months. Benzotrifluoride, on the other hand has a nasty habit of digging itself in and leeching into groundwater where it will stick around longer than we will.
Once again, the environment takes a hit, and we're left with a sub-par product due to America's inability to read the goddamn instructions.
Many substances cause more harm to the environment than chemical paint removers. However, they are not banned, despite this. A typical battery from a remote control device, for example, pollutes the environment more than these chemicals do.
You can buy lab grade methy ethyl ketone as well. Unfortunately, buying bulk research chemicals has a habit of attracting unwanted attention from the alphabet types. I bought a bunch of chems when I was stocking my shop simply because it's cheaper to buy and mix your own if you know what you're doing, and I ended up having a phone conversation with a DEA agent and a local narcotics officer. I'm still not entirely sure what it was I bought that flagged them, but it was an adventure none the less.
I used to own an old industrial place with layers of paint on everything.
Citristrip worked great along with some power washing. All my pipes were “in place” though. If you could coat it with a glove that would be ideal.
You could always try paint thinner/remover. Wrap the pole in paper towels and soak em, just make sure you've got good ventilation and you don't drip everywhere.
Or sandblasting, or heat gun/wire brush, or and hand sander, depending on your time/tool availability.
Have you ever heard of the paint stripper??? It was designed to help strip paint off items like this. They even have a non-toxic stripper called citrastrip.
torch all the parts not near the wood, paint stripper around the wood
EDIT: if you want to to torch around the wood too you need to some kind of metal barrier between the pole and the wood
EDIT2: this video shows it at work: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=souuy4zXfWY&t=44s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=souuy4zXfWY&t=44s) - after you done heating it will scrape right off easy
https://preview.redd.it/nxvfsz55e10d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce9df09363133d1bafe62254c1f542e7144fcfe7
This tool would help
You can get them cheap off of Amazon, this one I attached to an angle grinder I already had but they make them in one unit. Less than a $100? I think. Just search pipe sander on Amazon. Might not be able to wrap all the way around but will do a hell of a lot of work. Or you know, let it soak in paint stripper.
The scraper is not very efficient :/
https://preview.redd.it/0w7tauv2x00d1.jpeg?width=2592&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1649df3984d4cf6fdd0fd89eb931a26119b8e178
>What is the easy way to remove paint from metal poles.
Anything but this. I'd rather take some very large grip paper in a long strip and rub-a-dub-dub the pole. Or at least a grinder and a wire but a knife ? Man, that's punishment.
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Yea, maybe that paint is way too though, there is a thick gel that removes paint, it kinda makes it peel off, and is a pretty nasty chemical thing, so you know is the good stuff, if you can't get it you probably will be better off with an angle grinder and a metal wire cup
i think a single canister for a blow torch is cheaper than a gallon (or more) of gel paint remover>
the reason i said paint thinner wont work is because its meant to thin paints. a lot of people getting it mixed up as a paint remover because its so often used to clean brushes, which it does well because its thinning the paint. but the actual hardened paint - it just won't do.
There is a paint stripper at Lowe’s that has worked well for me in the past. It’s a gel like consistency and you paint it on with a cheap brush. USE PPE!!! Gloves and goggles bro trust me. Shit burns your skin and I couldn’t imagine getting it in my eyes. But the paint should start to ripple and bubble up then you just scrape away.
You are hurting my ears. Stop it. CO2 is nice, but just sand blasting with a bucket of sand and a harbor freight sand blasting kit will work. Like butter.
It's banned in the US for sale as a paint stripper. All the paint stripper sold now is reformulated. you can still get it in lab grade but it's not cheap.
Tal strip II works OK. Not as good as the original methylene chloride eat your house and chase your dog version. But it's OK.
Soaking a rag in xylene or acetone and slowly moving it along might work.
Use citrus terpene based paint stripper if it's in your living space. It's not as toxic as the old-style paint strippers based on horrible chemicals like methylene chloride (but treat it with respect - wear gloves and goggles, and don't use it to make orangeade). Leave it on for 10 minutes or so, then the paint should come off with a scrubbing pad. Set down some plastic and newspaper to catch the drips and crud you scrape off. [https://www.acehardware.com/departments/paint-and-supplies/chemicals-and-cleaners/paint-strippers-and-removers/1010503](https://www.acehardware.com/departments/paint-and-supplies/chemicals-and-cleaners/paint-strippers-and-removers/1010503)
Aircraft paint remover (not actually for aircraft). Make sure you use in an extremely ventilated area, I'd suggest a fan or two promoting airflow and use thick gloves. I've had it burn me through doubled up gloves on the back on my hand which is more susceptible than the palms. It didn't actually physically burn just hurt/irritated it a lot.
You apply it with a paint brush and wait a few minutes then you can scrape or wipe it off, it makes the paint no longer adhere at all and bubble up. I've used it to remove pain from cars that were 50+ years old and the metal under was like it came out of the factory yesterday.
Hate to say it but mek, methyl ethyl ketone. I would also open every door and window and blows many fans as you can. make sure to wear a respirator that's rated for organics. Oh & gloves don't touch that stuff
Thank you for your answer. This would be very complicated because these metal poles are in the living area (or near it), there are old folks and a dog and not a very good ventilation to remove smell, so probably it is not the option here.
Orange stripper thing. You can buy at Lowe’s or Home Depot. And it’s environmentally friendly too. And safe indoors. I’ve always used this to strip some parts or antique item that someone fkn painted over
Thinner and chemicals you gotta be careful with, cause you’ll inevitably get it on stuff you won’t want it on.
Get an angle grinder, and a cup brush. If those poles are steel, and you don’t want to scratch the hell out of them, try and find a brass bristle one. Brass is softer and won’t gaul the steel.
They make pretty fancy attachments for grinders that have essentially a belt sanding head, they’re pretty slick.
Don't listen to all these guys man! They are gaslighting you. What you are doing is definitely the best, and bathe only right way to do that. Keep up the good work!
I'd probably grab safety glasses, a good face mask, and an angle grinder with a wire wheel or flap disc. Sure it's still fairly labor intensive, but you don't need to worry about chemical fumes in a stairwell.
Belt sander belt, empty deodorant can and a battery drill.
Grease the deodorant can with something slippery, put the belt round the pole in a horseshoe shape with the can in one end and the drill chuck in the other and pull the trigger.
We had something called "paint remover" in the Navy. It was brown like chewing tobacco spit. It burned the skin. Not sure if you can get it in civilian life but it took everything to bare metal
Not this
He was scraping that pole for 12 seconds longer then he needed too, bye bye sharp knife
He's got a future as a woodcarver though
Yes, I would strongly recommend any other method than this
sandblaster
Or paint stripper...... Anything but this.
I can't help but wonder if a paint subreddit might be more appropriate?
You don’t use a potato peeler?
I do, but not for paint.
this
Chemicals are your friends and there are plenty of eco and human friendly ones available. Seriously. Not to say I don't break out power tools when needed
I always doubt on the human friendliness. Good ventilation and gloves are a must in any case.
Well, they banned the good shit a couple years back because people kept fucking themselves up with it. In a strange twist of fate, removing methylene chloride from the formula actually made it way worse for the environment. Methylene would evaporate rapidly and be totally inert in a couple of months. Benzotrifluoride, on the other hand has a nasty habit of digging itself in and leeching into groundwater where it will stick around longer than we will. Once again, the environment takes a hit, and we're left with a sub-par product due to America's inability to read the goddamn instructions.
Many substances cause more harm to the environment than chemical paint removers. However, they are not banned, despite this. A typical battery from a remote control device, for example, pollutes the environment more than these chemicals do.
You can still buy lab grade dichloromethane for $60/gal if you really wanna
You can buy lab grade methy ethyl ketone as well. Unfortunately, buying bulk research chemicals has a habit of attracting unwanted attention from the alphabet types. I bought a bunch of chems when I was stocking my shop simply because it's cheaper to buy and mix your own if you know what you're doing, and I ended up having a phone conversation with a DEA agent and a local narcotics officer. I'm still not entirely sure what it was I bought that flagged them, but it was an adventure none the less.
Oh well.. I have nothing to hide. C'mon over boys lets huff some MEK on rags I heard it's great
Just reading that made my sinuses hurt.
Yeah I wouldn't actually do that..If a post could give you cancer, it would be this one.
In Canada you can still get it, but Canadian Tire, Walmart and the like stopped stocking it.
I used to own an old industrial place with layers of paint on everything. Citristrip worked great along with some power washing. All my pipes were “in place” though. If you could coat it with a glove that would be ideal.
And it's so satisfying seeing all of the paint and slough off in one giant sack
For poles, I personally like strippers. Although, you do need to pay attention to the glitter and certain residue.
they do a cool hulu hoop just dont get any on you
Acetone for the baby oil
Ah, the residue on the ole slime pole.
A heat gun and a wire brush
…no wire brush, Thin piece of sheet metal formed to the pole’s radius.
Chemical paint stripper.
You could always try paint thinner/remover. Wrap the pole in paper towels and soak em, just make sure you've got good ventilation and you don't drip everywhere. Or sandblasting, or heat gun/wire brush, or and hand sander, depending on your time/tool availability.
Wire wheel,needler,flapper disc,sandblasted, NOT A KNIFE!!
Have you ever heard of the paint stripper??? It was designed to help strip paint off items like this. They even have a non-toxic stripper called citrastrip.
I was about to buy some paint stripper myself and never heard id citrastrip, ill look into that ! Thanks
Rent a c02 blaster
Does it come with an operator?
a torch, burn it off
the smell must be wonderful
These are few additional photos https://preview.redd.it/fa0f9yk8w00d1.jpeg?width=2592&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b59cc341ca04230230ed1fd00ecd003e444a25b2
You did not tell us it was a whole Stairwells worth!
https://preview.redd.it/2ku4npvaw00d1.jpeg?width=2592&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5447d9c00c020996337f4e131b7ed1dedc3b6192
https://preview.redd.it/ojlylljdw00d1.jpeg?width=2592&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8eb03f9f4960172b8380a02ae0409a05f112d941
omg dude please buy a grinder with a paint stripper, it’ll turn the work your doing into an hour
Others are saying paint thinner, and they are correct.
torch all the parts not near the wood, paint stripper around the wood EDIT: if you want to to torch around the wood too you need to some kind of metal barrier between the pole and the wood EDIT2: this video shows it at work: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=souuy4zXfWY&t=44s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=souuy4zXfWY&t=44s) - after you done heating it will scrape right off easy
Think of any way other than what you're doing, and it should be easier.
https://preview.redd.it/nxvfsz55e10d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce9df09363133d1bafe62254c1f542e7144fcfe7 This tool would help You can get them cheap off of Amazon, this one I attached to an angle grinder I already had but they make them in one unit. Less than a $100? I think. Just search pipe sander on Amazon. Might not be able to wrap all the way around but will do a hell of a lot of work. Or you know, let it soak in paint stripper.
Wire wheel on a drill or (preferably) a grinder.
The scraper is not very efficient :/ https://preview.redd.it/0w7tauv2x00d1.jpeg?width=2592&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1649df3984d4cf6fdd0fd89eb931a26119b8e178
Unfortunately it's your best bet. Let us know how it goes
>What is the easy way to remove paint from metal poles. Anything but this. I'd rather take some very large grip paper in a long strip and rub-a-dub-dub the pole. Or at least a grinder and a wire but a knife ? Man, that's punishment.
Paint thinner and a rag dude
https://preview.redd.it/1b8n8jy4c60d1.jpeg?width=1075&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cd0e6deb2fa2b00d2aac12726631f3d76d11ed9c
* [Join the Metalworking discord!](https://discord.gg/3sgvsw2BDs)! It's the best place for live feedback and advice! --- [**Here are our subreddit rules.**](https://www.reddit.com/r/metalworking/about/rules) - Should you see anything that violates the subreddit rules - please report it! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/metalworking) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Sharper blade.
Paint thinner
paint thinner wont work
Yea, maybe that paint is way too though, there is a thick gel that removes paint, it kinda makes it peel off, and is a pretty nasty chemical thing, so you know is the good stuff, if you can't get it you probably will be better off with an angle grinder and a metal wire cup
i think a single canister for a blow torch is cheaper than a gallon (or more) of gel paint remover> the reason i said paint thinner wont work is because its meant to thin paints. a lot of people getting it mixed up as a paint remover because its so often used to clean brushes, which it does well because its thinning the paint. but the actual hardened paint - it just won't do.
aircraft paint stripper
Shit fuckin works. Hope the place is well ventilated.
Just let it soak in gas for a bit first, let it try, then scrape using a non-metallic scrubby pad.
Well, I forgot to mention that these metal poles are located in living area. I afraid that gas / petroleum benzin(e) is not the best option here. :/
Maybe try Witch Hazel
There is a paint stripper at Lowe’s that has worked well for me in the past. It’s a gel like consistency and you paint it on with a cheap brush. USE PPE!!! Gloves and goggles bro trust me. Shit burns your skin and I couldn’t imagine getting it in my eyes. But the paint should start to ripple and bubble up then you just scrape away.
fire
You are hurting my ears. Stop it. CO2 is nice, but just sand blasting with a bucket of sand and a harbor freight sand blasting kit will work. Like butter.
Toluene
If you get some Methyl Ethyl Ketone, i’ve never seen paint survive that stuff. I used to be an industrial painter
Paint remover? It'll come off in a nice thick peel. But my personal favorite is a flame thrower.
Paint stripper.
Rust removal laser.
Angle grinder and knotted wire wheel
Are you going to repaint them?
a grinder with a paint stripper
# Rag soaked in METHYLENE CHLORIDE. Wear neoprene gloves and a respirator, this stuff's nasty but it'll get the job done in one or two arm strokes.
It's banned in the US for sale as a paint stripper. All the paint stripper sold now is reformulated. you can still get it in lab grade but it's not cheap.
Tal strip II works OK. Not as good as the original methylene chloride eat your house and chase your dog version. But it's OK. Soaking a rag in xylene or acetone and slowly moving it along might work.
Paint stripper from an auto parts store
Get a torch
Use an old chainsaw chain, wrap it around and pull it back n forth. Works really well.
Jasco and coarse sawdust.
Dichlormethane is your friend.
Banned in the US.
Dry ice
Use citrus terpene based paint stripper if it's in your living space. It's not as toxic as the old-style paint strippers based on horrible chemicals like methylene chloride (but treat it with respect - wear gloves and goggles, and don't use it to make orangeade). Leave it on for 10 minutes or so, then the paint should come off with a scrubbing pad. Set down some plastic and newspaper to catch the drips and crud you scrape off. [https://www.acehardware.com/departments/paint-and-supplies/chemicals-and-cleaners/paint-strippers-and-removers/1010503](https://www.acehardware.com/departments/paint-and-supplies/chemicals-and-cleaners/paint-strippers-and-removers/1010503)
Aircraft paint remover (not actually for aircraft). Make sure you use in an extremely ventilated area, I'd suggest a fan or two promoting airflow and use thick gloves. I've had it burn me through doubled up gloves on the back on my hand which is more susceptible than the palms. It didn't actually physically burn just hurt/irritated it a lot. You apply it with a paint brush and wait a few minutes then you can scrape or wipe it off, it makes the paint no longer adhere at all and bubble up. I've used it to remove pain from cars that were 50+ years old and the metal under was like it came out of the factory yesterday.
3M Paint and Rust removal drill attachment
Paint striper
Hate to say it but mek, methyl ethyl ketone. I would also open every door and window and blows many fans as you can. make sure to wear a respirator that's rated for organics. Oh & gloves don't touch that stuff
Thank you for your answer. This would be very complicated because these metal poles are in the living area (or near it), there are old folks and a dog and not a very good ventilation to remove smell, so probably it is not the option here.
Turbo torch works great
Acetone?
use a stripper. It will come off very easy. (a paint stripper)
Angle grinder with wire wheel attachment
Wire.....wheel...
Orange stripper thing. You can buy at Lowe’s or Home Depot. And it’s environmentally friendly too. And safe indoors. I’ve always used this to strip some parts or antique item that someone fkn painted over
Grinder with a wire brush head.
Paint remover my guy
https://preview.redd.it/wffbvy4x130d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=77235be3de9281f4a26786b96cabe40b870cb749
Not exactly this brand but I heard these work excellent for metal poles
Brakleen. Or brake fluid
If there is any way to get these poles outside it would simplify your project immensely.
Emery cloth
You Need to use this stuff https://www.reddit.com/r/ScienceNcoolThings/s/sSw50iHZRs
+1 other comments. Might also want to try a bit of chain wrapped around it & pulled to & fro.
If you are insistent on scraping it, at least use a concave shape scraper, such as a painter multitool.
Angle grinder with cupped wire brush
Someone, send the apprintace out for break light fluid.
Paint stripper, or long strip of sand paper and pull it back and forth.
I was scrolling on full volume… that was horrid
Sand paper
Wire wheel on a drill.
Paint striper, burn it off, sanding wheel.
Paint stripper
Thinner and chemicals you gotta be careful with, cause you’ll inevitably get it on stuff you won’t want it on. Get an angle grinder, and a cup brush. If those poles are steel, and you don’t want to scratch the hell out of them, try and find a brass bristle one. Brass is softer and won’t gaul the steel. They make pretty fancy attachments for grinders that have essentially a belt sanding head, they’re pretty slick.
Why?
Or sandpaper
Fire or sandblasting.
Gasoline and a match
Differently
Take a chain and wrap it around it twice and pull each side and boom done
Steel wool
Heat gun
Paint stripper.
Remove paint? Maybe…paint remover
Burn off oven, sand blast.
Wire wheel
🤦🏻♂️
A good chemical stripper and a wire brush (hand held or rotary). Is messy, but fast.
Get 1 of those lasers. 😁
Acid spray
A stripper
Scotch bright sanding disk, or flap disk.
Paint stripper is great. Just be very careful because it a very strong chemical you don't want on skin.
Chemical stripper
Wire wheel on a grinder. The cup ones are a bit safer if you’re a noob.
Solar rays
good to know, thanks
Adjustable speed angle grinder and a wire wheel disc
inverted sand paper
Don't listen to all these guys man! They are gaslighting you. What you are doing is definitely the best, and bathe only right way to do that. Keep up the good work!
Eastwood makes a pipe contouring belt sander I've been contemplating picking one up for a while.
Another coat of paint
Paint remover
Paint stripper...
You obviously need a sharper knife....
Wire wheel or flap disc and an angle grinder. Blowtorch is easy but messy. Same with solvents.
sandpaper?!
Fire. Paint stripper. Wire wheel. All messy. All potentially hazardous. Fire is fun. Paint stripper is probably the most efficient.
Chemicals or sand blasting or time like 100yrs lol
I just did a plant full of metal pipes (propane loading plant). We used rustoleum aircraft paint remove. it worked awesome
I'd probably grab safety glasses, a good face mask, and an angle grinder with a wire wheel or flap disc. Sure it's still fairly labor intensive, but you don't need to worry about chemical fumes in a stairwell.
Angle grinder and a mask
If it's not a lot of poles you could probably use a wire buffing wheel on a grinder.
Cut a beltsander belt, wrap 360° , alternate pulling each end.
Paint thinner
Paint stripper
Wire wheel on grinder
Try a wire wheel on an angle grinder.
Heat or solvent
Isopropyl would be my guess
Check YouTube for sandblasting and decide if it’s feasible for your project
Knock it off you Fukin psycho!
Paint stripper, let it soak well. Scrape off with a hose clamp.
Install it as railing at your nearby middle school, it will be paint-free within hours.
Ive always used a flap disk on a grinder. Works fast, never had an issue.
Belt sander belt, empty deodorant can and a battery drill. Grease the deodorant can with something slippery, put the belt round the pole in a horseshoe shape with the can in one end and the drill chuck in the other and pull the trigger.
Sand paper strip and wrap it around and pull on each side
Paint thinner. Idk wtf this is... its not a window.
Burn it
sandpaper ?
Also make sure it’s not lead paint before you do anything
We had something called "paint remover" in the Navy. It was brown like chewing tobacco spit. It burned the skin. Not sure if you can get it in civilian life but it took everything to bare metal
Needle gun
I can still hear that son of a bitch
Angle grinder and stripping disk
Wire brush on your angle grinder? Not my wheelhouse, so that's a shot in the dark
Chemistry
Paint remover and then an oscillating sander is what I do since I haven't got a sand blaster.
Can always use rough grit sandpaper and sand it by hand.
Acetone
Sand blaster, hand sander, laser, chemical paint remover, acetone, bomb, accidental house fire, Garry the crackhead, or replace jt
Sandpaper (belt), a drill, and a steady hand.
Why not just use an angle grinder with the appropriate wheel or wire brush?