Need Help Stripping Aluminum Wheels

[JAP_NDN]

I am having a rough time stripping some aluminum wheels. They are factory Dodge wheels and are painted and clear coated. I have tried gasket remover and even aircraft remover. They both work great for removing the paint and clear. HOWEVER, once they are removed, a white sealer (or primer?) is revealed. It feels like some type of latex material and it laughs at the stripper. I have used 60 grit sandpaper and have also tried sandblasting it. Both methods leave a lot to be desired. The sandblasting is VERY slow (sorry, I don't know the grit but I would guess it's medium), as the vast majority of it seems to bounce off the "latex" coating. The 60 grit sandpaper is obviously a chore plus all the extra sanding steps needed to get it where I can start polishing takes days. I don't mind hard work but I seem to be making this much harder than it should be. I know there is an easier way to get to the bare metal. I would greatly appreciate your input.

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by JAP_NDN

I am having a rough time stripping some aluminum wheels...

Not an expert on coatings, but in the case of powdercoating I do know that you can get it baked off, so that might work on other coatings. Beware of excessive heat affecting the strength of the metal though. I would first contact the manufacturer to see what material it is, then go from there.

Hmmm...just thinking here, but what if you were to lightly play a propane torch flame across it...maybe it'll char or bubble and come off. Watch those fumes, though...

[JAP_NDN]

Thanks for the reply. I don't think it's a powdercoating. It seems more like a rubbery latex coating. Kinda like dried latex enamel house paint. Once a bit of it flakes off and you pull on it, it stretches. As for the propane, I had actually thought of that. I was worried that I might discolor the aluminumm, though. What do you think?

[baz]

Originally Posted by JAP_NDN

Thanks for the reply. I don't think it's a powdercoating. It seems more like a rubbery latex coating. Kinda like dried latex enamel house paint. Once a bit of it flakes off and you pull on it, it stretches. As for the propane, I had actually thought of that. I was worried that I might discolor the aluminumm, though. What do you think?

so even if the aluminium discolors whats the prob if you re going to polish them anyway

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by JAP_NDN

Thanks for the reply. I don't think it's a powdercoating. It seems more like a rubbery latex coating. Kinda like dried latex enamel house paint. Once a bit of it flakes off and you pull on it, it stretches. As for the propane, I had actually thought of that. I was worried that I might discolor the aluminumm, though. What do you think?

I'd say try it on a hidden spot if possible.

[JAP_NDN]

Originally Posted by baz

so even if the aluminium discolors whats the prob if you re going to polish them anyway

Good point. I'm a newbie so I didn't know how hard discoloration was to remove. I think I'll still try it in a small hidden area first (as mpierich recommends). BTW, can i assume that most other painted wheels DON'T have this "sealer"? ie. are they simply painted with clear over that?

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by JAP_NDN

Good point. I'm a newbie so I didn't know how hard discoloration was to remove. I think I'll still try it in a small hidden area first (as mpierich recommends). BTW, can i assume that most other painted wheels DON'T have this "sealer"? ie. are they simply painted with clear over that?

I would assume that any painted wheels would have some sort of primer which would adhere to the metal better than paint alone. That's mostly why an automoblie body has primer applied before painting - don't see why wheels would be any different.

[JAP_NDN]

Anyone else wanna shed some light on whether or not all painted wheels have this primer from Hades?? I guess I could buy some salvage yard wheels and try them but it would be much easier to hear it from you guys first. Thanks again for your help.

[jrow]

JAP_NDN,

I'd try some Aluminum Oxide blasting media or try putting them in a powder coating oven and burning it off.

John

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by JAP_NDN

Anyone else wanna shed some light on whether or not all painted wheels have this primer from Hades?? I guess I could buy some salvage yard wheels and try them but it would be much easier to hear it from you guys first. Thanks again for your help.

Did you try burining it off with a torch yet?