Tips on Stripping Paint Off Metal

When it comes to removing paint from metal there are many options involving heat, chemicals and abrasives.

As part of the quad project, I hope to strip back the existing paint (and rust) and respray it with a new colour.

Due to the size and shape of the frame, the chemical route was not viable and burning the paint off required an investment in to new tools with no guarantee of success.

Therefore the abrasive route was chosen. But what abrasive to use? Wire cups, flap wheels, sanding belts?! So much choice; so little budget.

Below is a photo of the different effects you get when you use an angle grinder with a steel wire wheel (right) compared with a brass wire cup (left).

The twisted steel wire wheel is very aggressive and gouged the steel tubing below. The brass wire cup was much softer on the base metal, only removing the paint.

Link for the brass cup: Abracs Wire Crimped Cup Brush 75mm | Toolstation

Link for the wire wheel: Abracs Twist Knot Wheel Brush 100mm | Toolstation