While getting assorted bits ready for the next paint session I had reason to set up an electrolysis tank. On the first couple of pieces I took the sander/grinder to the piece to get as much paint off as possible before placing it in the tank. In short a PIA cause they still needed some cleaning and prep after the soak.
I noticed that the paint I didn't get off prior to soaking easily lifted off after the process, so I tried a little experiment when I got around to doing the west coast mirrors that came off the truck.
First I want to state that the truck had two colors of blue over the original mist green and they both lifted right off using chemical stripper, the original paint was barely affected by it even when applied direct after removing the top two coats. Also the white mirrors seem to be a similar type of paint. Hard to grind off as well. It comes off but it takes patience.
Anyway I placed the components in the tank and let it run for 2 days and when I pulled them out the paint was lifted as if I'd chem stripped them and came right off with a bit of wire wheel.
These were not really rusty pieces though I thought I was dealing with some rust when I began, as you can see in the photos.
It's not fast but it worked for my purposes and I'm hoping avoids having to neutralize rust conversion chemicals or the residue from soda blasting.
electrolysis tank paint removal
