Crazy powder coat removal

[Carl S.]

So, this is really awesome. I picked up another headlight bracket due to one of mine was not the original style and did not match. EBAY for $20 delivered so that was fine.

The problem was it was powder coated. Looked good but not does not match my other one.

Next challenge, How does one remove powder coating?

Blasting Cabinet? = NOPE
Bench Grinder? = NOPE
Paint Stripper? = NOPE

OK, Drastic measures.

Years ago I used some Aircraft Stripper that worked great. I picked up some a few months ago and it wan nothing like before.. Did not do squat. I researched why, seems they had to remove some of the chemicals that did the stripping.

Methylene Chloride- Well, why cant I put it back in.

Ordered some online and some Formic Acid. Another ingredient.

Seems Methylene Chloride dissolves powder coating.

I mixed 50/50 Methylene and Formic acid and HA!

Soaked the piece for 15 minutes and the coating fell off. CRAZY COOL!

[Theunz]

Wow that is impressive. Having just gone through similar aggregations refinishing some patio furniture I find this extremely helpful.
However, I’m sure there must be some very stringent precautions that should be adhered to when using these chemicals. Can you or anyone else let us know what they might be before someone (like me) endangers themselves? Thanks!

[72targa]

https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/methylene-chloride/

https://sds.oxy.com/private/document...ENE%20CHLORIDE

[ptrsbtrs]

His fingertips melted after the exposure so he's learning to type with his nose, it might be awhile before you get a response....

[Carl S.]

YES, it it is nasty stuff. It is what was in Goof Off. I wear goggles, gloves, sleeves, respirator and did it outside. Only brought in to take the picture as it was at night.

As for disposal. A few times a year our local dump has a hazmat drop off day. I label each and drop them off. Not too bad when you only have a few milk jugs full.

I do not really have a need to do this any more. Just the one time thing, most likely. I thought the success was amazing though.

[mshaver51]

i fully understand that our group seeks solutions to the restoration issues confronting us that are practical, cheap, and permanent. i deeply appreciate the problem solving process engaged here and circulated among the group.

as was suggested here, i take my waste oil to the auto parts store, and common thinners, strippers, etc., to a hazardous chemicals re-cycler at nominal cost. but i've seen so many people cut corners on issues like this that i cringe when i think of this idea being embraced by the group.

the chemicals suggested here are really consequential in terms of our personal safety, as well as that of those in our households, and perhaps even more so to the environment.

so, i simply and respectfully add that this alternative be engaged with EXTREME CARE and judicious compliance with safety protocols. PLEASE!

[mac73s]

My powder coating company says they have to burn it off...that's there process and they have all the fancy media blasting equipment at their disposal

[Bobs 67S]

Have you tried carb cleaner. Readily available and it evaporates leaving the paste.

But has the chemicals of carb cleaner changed recently? If this works let us know.

[Carl S.]

I have not tried carb cleaner. I only had this one bracket to do. Now I can powder coat them all the same color.
Chemicals are packed up in a glass container for safe keeping.

[jaudette3]

Representatives from the State of California will be knocking on your front door soon....

John