i've been told brake cleaner leaves a residue
try : Por 15 product called marine clean.
to break down the thick or heavy or caked on grease use easy off oven cleaner
see
http://www.stovebolt.com/bboard/cgi-bin//ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=22;t=005323#000004
degrease as much as possible, scrape as much as possible, repeat
use marine clean or ??? repeat, pressure spray w/ a degreaser.
pressure spray again w/ hot water
now you're ready to paint
while you're at the drug store or paint store pick up a box of latex rubber gloves.........they're great
