What is the best way to remove finish from an enclosure?

[bt2513]

I want to redo some of my, OK - all - of my paint jobs for a more unified theme and overall better quality. 

[Mark Hammer]

I have to do that frequently.  Paint stripper and a heat gun.  Just watch your fingers, though.  Those chassis retain heat, and paint stripper does not treat scratches in your skin kindly.

[jkokura]

Lots of Sanding? Then primer. You don't neccessarily need to remove all the paint I've found. Use really low numbered sand paper, and power tools help. I've used 40-80 grit effectively, and the primer really sticks to it using that grit also.

Mark's suggestion is better if you want to get down to the bare aluminum I think.

jacob

[Mark Hammer]

I prefer just chemically stripping the paint because the surface of the box is already smooth.  Sanding it coarsely to get the paint (generally chipped, right?) off would require resurfacing the box again.  More trouble than it's worth. 

[bt2513]

Yea... I'm thinking a dremel will do the job.  Its mainly the top of the enclosures that I want to refinish.  I think having painted sides with a brushed finish on the top (complete with neat labels) would be a good look.  Having trouble deciding on which way I want to go with the new look...

[tiges_ tendres]

Yea... I'm thinking a dremel will do the job.  Its mainly the top of the enclosures that I want to refinish.  I think having painted sides with a brushed finish on the top (complete with neat labels) would be a good look.  Having trouble deciding on which way I want to go with the new look...

I would avoid using a dremel for this.  because of how small the fittings are you can get a very inconsistent, bumpy finish.  Lots of low spots that would take way too long to make flat again.

Having said that if your paint wasn't well applied to begin with it may come off with very little coaxing.

[flintstoned]

It only takes five minutes with a palm sander. First with 80 grit to remove old paint then finish with a higher grit to smooth it out.

[bean]

I've used Acetone a few times to soften a finish then peel it off. But, it can go wrong and make a mess.

[defaced]

If you have access to one, a sand blaster is soooooo nice for this type of work.  Just watch for threaded holes and any other delicate features.  

Wire wheels on angle grinders and drills are also really nice, but small things are hard to handle with those tools.  You'd need a vice or clamp to do it safely. 

[Ronsonic]

Airframe stripper from the auto parts store. Peels everything off with very little trouble, even powder coat, though that usually takes two passes. Spray on, wait a few minutes, hose off the paint. That fast and easy.

[jkokura]

I wonder what it would be like to use the wire wheel or even the grinder side on a bench grinder for this...

Jacob

[mojotron]

I prefer just chemically stripping the paint because the surface of the box is already smooth.  Sanding it coarsely to get the paint (generally chipped, right?) off would require resurfacing the box again.  More trouble than it's worth. 

It took me 5 minutes to strip all the finish off of a Tele a few weeks ago using a heat gun - that is the best way to take off any kind of non-lacquer finish. Lacquer thinner will remove paint from anything too - that's great stuff - just have to be very careful.

[Toney]

Remember the P2 (US standard N95) dust mask if your are mechanically sanding.
Paint particles are bad for your lungs mmmmmkay...