Cheapest way to strip paint of a pedal

[Mark of the Beast]

Hey guys,

I just picked up a DOD grunge pedal that I was going to mod and wanted to get rid of the ugly, ugly design. I could just spraypaint over it, but I think I'd like to get back to that raw aluminum look. I googled "removing paint from metal" and found some stuff that suggested burning or paint stripping or even oven cleaner with lye. I thought I'd get some advice from you guys. I'm pretty broke right now (The pedal only set me back 5 bucks) so I was looking for a cheap way to get this done that would still look good.

Anyone got any suggestions?

[mathias]

Steel wool

[Mark of the Beast]

Thanks for the input! I did consider something like that but.......

How would that leave the metal? Wouldn't it have a bunch of scratches on it?

[Achtane]

You could use really rough sandpaper, then keep gradually applying smoother grades to even out the scratches and stuff. Maybe sandpaper after steel wool.
Though I also think it would look good if you stepped on it and kept scraping it along the pavement as you walked.

[ryan summit]

sandblast that fucker(joke if you dont own an s-blaster)

is stripper not recommended?

[Mike]

I've been working my way through a 10-pack of dent-and-scratch powder coated enclosures that I picked up for next to nothing. I strip them before I use them, otherwise all of my pedals would be green. So...

You have a few options.

1. Paint stripper. It probably won't work unless you get "aircraft stripper." Not cheap (~$15/quart).

2. Heat gun. Heat it up, scrape it off. A heat gun will run you under $10 at Harbor Freight.

3. Sandpaper. I use a random orbital sander, starting with 80 grit and working up to 250, and then go by hand from there. Wear a respirator, or at least do it outside on a windy day. Wet sand if possible.


In order of expense: 3, 2, 1
In order of effort: 1, 2, 3

I wouldn't use steel wool, period. Aluminum is softer than steel. Little bits of the steel will get embedded in the aluminum. This will prevent you from achieving a quality finish, if that is the way you decide to go. Or it will eventually rust, making the enclosure look bad.

Happy sanding!

Mike

[Mark of the Beast]

I surprised that I'd need "aircraft stripper" instead of regular stuff. But good to know so I won't end up spending cash on something that won't work.

I think that I might just try a bit of sanding to see how it goes, then probably just spray paint the thing if it doesn't look good/if I mess up.

Thanks for all the info guys.

[hbombgraphics]

I surprised that I'd need "aircraft stripper" instead of regular stuff. But good to know so I won't end up spending cash on something that won't work.

I think that I might just try a bit of sanding to see how it goes, then probably just spray paint the thing if it doesn't look good/if I mess up.

Thanks for all the info guys.

The orange non toxic stripper isn't that bad and works on most metals

the heat gun may be the best bet,

[Nocentelli]

Really cheap option is nail-varnish remover.

[rot gut]

i use acetone to strip all my pedals. took only a few wipes when i stripped my holy grail nano.

[yallerhon]

I use industrial-strength paint stripper. It's cheap and extremely effective (used on cars, etc). Goop and spread that over the (disassembled) pedal enclosure; fifteen minutes later the paint almost falls off under its own weight under the tap.

[kaboom]

i've used citrustrip and it worked like a charm.

[hbombgraphics]

I use industrial-strength paint stripper. It's cheap and extremely effective (used on cars, etc). Goop and spread that over the (disassembled) pedal enclosure; fifteen minutes later the paint almost falls off under its own weight under the tap.

I have the funniest mental picture of somebody spreading stripper on a pedal with all controls still on

[mathias]

I saw someone do that to a Strat with all the hardware and pick guard still on it. At least they removed the strings?