paint removal tool

[rattle can man]

Any suggestions on a tool to remove paint from the ribs of a pick-up bed? my paint job came out bad. I placed the parts in 90% isopropyl and it came off easy, except in the recessed area of the bed. Carving tools are too wide, dental pick are too small (and likely to leave scratches). sanding twigs are barely too wide. Thanks in advance.

[NOBLNG]

If it came off easily, try soaking it again and scrubbing it with an old toothbrush. Alternately you could make your own sanding sticks. I use coffee stir sticks and 3M automotive double faced tape to make mine. Just whittle them down to the width needed.

Edited April 19, 2024 by NOBLNG

[peteski]

Yes, toothbrushes are good for tasks like that.  Soft enough not to cause damage, and stiff enough to pick the softened paint out.

Edited April 20, 2024 by peteski

[bbowser]

Auto parts stores have extra stiff brushes for cleaning made of nylon.  Too stiff for teeth, perfect for paint removal ☺

[Deathgoblin]

I use a combination of things to clean up after stripping parts:  toothbrush, bamboo skewers, needle files, the tip of an X-Acto knife...  There never seems to be one solution.

[rattle can man]

for whatever reason the paint in the recesses is not softening. it's in a soak for the third time (this time for 24 hours). I have tried a toothbrush; all of the wood tools I've tried won't make a scratch. the metal tools work, but then I will likely have scratches. I suppose I could make a first attempt at weathering it and the scratches would be fine in a well used bed.

I guess I will have to try some other stripper if it doesn't work this time.  Maybe Castrol purple stuff.

[robdebie]

I'm 99% sure that the combined effect of isopropyl and an ultrasonic bath will solve your problem. Just look how clean my enamel painted IH cab is after a caustic soda / ultrasonic cleaning. It had several layers of 25+ old paint on it. All the nooks and crannies are clean, and there was zero brushing or tooth-picking action. More here: https://robdebie.home.xs4all.nl/models/ultrasonic.htm

Rob

 

[64SS350]

Something I discovered in a video, but haven't tried yet, is placing the part in the alcohol and not removing it, but scrubbing while in the alcohol.

While using these different products as paint strippers , they reactivate the paint which allows it to settle in again or deeper if not removed immediately. So removing from the alcohol bath , it would reset quickly as the alcohol would dissipate quickly. I have a couple Chevy Cruze bodies this happened to.

My $.02

[NOBLNG]

Like Karl said, try scrubbing it while submerged. You could also try sanding it smooth, sealing it and painting over it? What paint is it?