Stripping paint

[BluePopsicle]

I recently painted a Mustang and I didn't like the way things worked out so I decided to strip it and start over. I'm currently stripping in Greased Lightning and it's working "meh...ok". I've read about many people using dot 2 or dot 3 brake fluid with great results. When using this method, how do you dispose of the used fluid?

By the way...I painted with enamel.

[Fat Brian]

Brake fluid isn't necessary for enamels, I would recommend either Purple Power/Castrol Super Clean or even LA's Totally Awesome cleaner. These are more easily disposed of and easier to use, I save brake fluid for patricularly tough stuff like automotive paints or hot laquers. You can reuse it multiple times with just occasional straining through a piece of cloth or even a paper towel.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yup, brian has the plan. Put an old washcloth or sock or piece of pantyhose in a funnel and pour the fluid back into the original container. Mark it so it doesn't get used as brake fluid. This is important.....brake fluid absorbs moisture wnen it's in contact with humid air, and a stripping pan allows a lot of surface area for the fluid to absorb. Moisture in brake fluid will lower its boiling point and could POSSIBLY result in loss of braking on a long, steep downhill grade. Not LIKELY, but possible.

If you don't mind some harsh chemical smell, I recommend foaming oven cleaner spray....NOT the no fumes kind. It'll strip everything but lacquer and some automotive paints, usually pretty quick. Wear rubber gloves and do it outside to avoid breathing the fumes. It will wash off with water, and I recommend a scrub with Comet and a toothbrush to remove residue and to get in the crevices and details. Sometimes a second squirt is required. DON'T get it in your eyes. It won't do permanent damage if it's just a little, but it stings like the devil.

Edited September 19, 2012 by Ace-Garageguy

[BluePopsicle]

Yup, brian has the plan. Put an old washcloth or sock or piece of pantyhose in a funnel and pour the fluid back into the original container. Mark it so it doesn't get used as brake fluid. This is important.....brake fluid absorbs moisture wnen it's in contact with humid air, and a stripping pan allows a lot of surface area for the fluid to absorb. Moisture in brake fluid will lower its boiling point and could POSSIBLY result in loss of braking on a long, steep downhill grade. Not LIKELY, but possible.

If you don't mind some harsh chemical smell, I recommend foaming oven cleaner spray....NOT the no fumes kind. It'll strip everything but lacquer and some automotive paints, usually pretty quick. Wear rubber gloves and do it outside to avoid breathing the fumes. It will wash off with water, and I recommend a scrub with Comet and a toothbrush to remove residue and to get in the crevices and details. Sometimes a second squirt is required. DON'T get it in your eyes. It won't do permanent damage if it's just a little, but it stings like the devil.

Thanks for the tips to both you and Brian. If this stuff doesn't work out tomorrow, I'll try the oven cleaner.

[BluePopsicle]

WooT! The oven cleaner seems to be working famously! Maybe I can get my car back in primer today...

[Ace-Garageguy]

Glad it's working for you, Jon. It's also great for stripping chrome quickly. Just don't forget to scrub your parts thoroughly after stripping with hot water, a toothbrush and something like Comet, Bon Ami, or Soft-Scrub..... and rinse really well.

[BluePopsicle]

I used a firm toothbrush under hot water. In a few minutes I'll take some dish soap to it to clean it up. I now swear by oven cleaner!

[johnbuzzed]

91% isopropyl alcohol works well as a stripper, too.