Need Help Stripping Aluminum Wheels

[JAP_NDN]

I haven't had a chance to try the torch yet. I've had a few other "irons in the fire" but I'll try it this weekend. Wish me luck. Thanks again to all of you for your replies.

[grommit]

Hello JAP NDN,
i have come across this before, if your wheels were sand blasted the primer would be in a solid state, however using chemical strippers etc will react to the primer and it will become as the 'Latex effect'. i do not know how long you left the stripper on, but as the guys say if you are going to polish them then there is no harm in experimenting on taking the primer down to the metal.
if you can not get use of sand blasting i would try and stear away from strippers on Alloy wheels, taking the lacquer and base coat off by hand is a complete nightmare, but using power sanders etc will ease the pain.but you are polishing good luck with them and keep us posted.
many thanks
Brian

[JAP_NDN]

Thanks for the info, Grommit! I still have two more wheels to strip or sand (or whatever). I'll try sandblasting them first. Yeah, the hand sanding/stripping IS a nightmare. I hadn't thought that possibly the stripper is reacting with the primer. As for the amount of time that the stripper was on the wheel, it was about 10-15 minutes. I'll try it and let you guys know, just in case some other poor soul has the same issue. Thanks again.

[baz]

i have done many wheels and some have that primer and some don t ,some have a much thicker coat then others . blasting seems to bounce off that primer especially if it has been softened by paint stripper. personally i try to avoid blasting any wheel if it has to be polished after (it just makes it longer to sand and polish)
i usually use stripper to remove top coats then dry off the wheel and do the rest with my sanders and buffing wheels with greaseless . i never tried to bake it off with the propane torch so if someone does please let us know the results .
and don t worry about discoloration , i have done so many parts that came off of burnt motorcycle i can assure you the discoloration is not a problem

[zpaintman]

the primer in question is an epoxy based primer.It is used on bare metal because it has tremendous adhesion.It also stays slightly pliable as to resist rock chips.Dodge uses this primarily but other companies do as well.Unfortunately trying to strip it is a pain.Strippers make it gummy if left on too long and it will tend to clog sandpaper quickly.Heat is the best option here but be careful of the fumes and let it bubble up and dry and it should be a little easier.Hope this helps.