The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Removing paint from original

PO painted my truck. That is starting to peel off. How do I remove the newer paint, while preserving the original paint?

Thanks,

Jeffry

There is no way to remove the peeling paint while "preserving" the original paint... you can carefully sand the peeling paint off, but you are going to end up sanding into the original paint in some places, perhaps in a lot of places, and perhaps down to the metal in other places..... you would basically be preparing it for yet another paint job.

Peeling paint jobs can produce a "patina" look that is kind of cool- does that interest you at all? I have a 51 GMC that was painted with a brush a couple of times many years ago, and it looks pretty cool now, as each layer peels away.

If your plan is to re-paint it, then I would use a dual action disc sander and go over it very carefully.

Do you have any pics?

ps- Another possibility is pressure washing. If its really coming off that easily, then some of it might lift with a pressure washer. But even if it did, you have no idea what it looks like underneath the new paint layer- there could be all kinds of bodywork under there, and not the pristine, original paint that you desire.....

The paint peels and flakes. In some spots, you can flake it off by rubbing over the edge with your hand.

A pressure washer might do it. I understand that I may get into the old paint with abrasives. And I am assuming some body work. (The fenders are coated with that textured bedliner stuff.)

But, where the paint is peeling, it looks to be in good shape. I want it to be as close to original as possible, like the rest of the truck. I don't want to repaint the body (the fenders may require it). And, "patina" is okay. But, butchered paint, bare metal, seven colors, grinder marks and clear coat can stay in LA. Just don't like it.

So, I'm looking for ideas to take it off while minimizing impacts to the original paint.

No. That's not quite true. I was hoping you might say, "Simple Green & rinse."

Thanks for the input.

Pressure wash it. Then work with what won't come off.
Dont go easy cause if it's gonna come loose you want to know now... not after spending hours sanding and rubbing on it.
Its a truck not the ol lady.

I have a dual-action sander/polisher. When I get to sanding, what grit should I start with?

If you are trying to preserve the original paint don't use your da sander.
I would pressure wash it with high pressure. Whatever paint is left I would use 600 grit wet sandpaper on a sponge to gently sand it away. Be careful to not sand the original paint.
If you are lucky, you won't find any body repairs under the newer paint.

Thanks.

I have noticed that the newer paint comes off easily below the gas tank filler. Would solving the paint with gasoline or other solvent be a bad idea? Toluene or some other gas component?

It would be worth a try in an inconspicuous place.

Thanks, Wayne.

I see you're from FL. My brother is in the Panhandle. We sure have been praying y'all up.

I'm in the middle of the state just north of Orlando. Thanks for the prayers!

UPDATE: I have a high-pressure nozzle for the garden hose. It doesn't have that thin spray or the power of a power washer. I gave it a try and the paint on the bed sides peeled off in about 15 min. I got pieces that are as big as my hand.

Additionally, some of the bedliner on one of the fenders came off. The cab, hood and doors did not come clean. Only a few spots.

I am encouraged by this. It shows that the paint prep, before the offending layer of paint and that hideous bedliner stuff, was poorly done. The paint underneath actually has a sheen & water beads up, like it was waxed.

I think I will get a power washer and give it a shot. (Brother has one) If the PO "prepped" the cab like the bed, it should get more paint.

Thanks for the good advice.