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View Full Version : Which paint stripper - aluminium engine safe?


CookMySock
10th July 2009, 11:12
Which paint stripper can I use on a modern aluminium engine? I don't want to wreck the finish on the engine, so I can polish it up later with the buffing machine.

TIA,
Steve
imdying
10th July 2009, 12:08
TergoStrip (http://www.tergo.co.nz/Tech%20Data/HTML/tergostrip_brush_on.htm) that beyatch.
CookMySock
10th July 2009, 13:45
Yeah much respect for the tergo products. Hard to find where to buy them though.

Steve
imdying
10th July 2009, 14:14
Tergostrip is available from Bunnings :)

I've seen practically every painted surface on a VFR400 done with it... fanstastic result, even better after the entire bike was polished like a mirror. And then the owner powdercoated it because he didn't like the look :laugh:
TLDV8
10th July 2009, 14:24
TergoStrip (http://www.tergo.co.nz/Tech%20Data/HTML/tergostrip_brush_on.htm) that beyatch.

I love the stuff,but make sure you wear eye protection, one drop would be it.
CookMySock
10th July 2009, 14:42
Bunnings? Rooly?

I got a spray tin of some cheap shit from repco. It took most of it off.. nice, now I have a 1/3 painted cylinder... :slap:

I tried to goldilocks and polypad it after the stripper had finished (she was lovely too, but her skimpy top and white shorts got soaking wet from the waterblaster.. bugger!) and they seem to bring it up ok.. Looks like I need to get a machine in between the fins with some fine abrasive or something..

Anyone know how to machine-polish between fins? The only thing I have that will fit a gap that small is battery-powered and just not powerful enough. :rolleyes:

Steve
HDTboy
10th July 2009, 15:23
Brake fluid
slofox
10th July 2009, 15:50
I've got some cheap Sauvignon Blanc in here that might do the job DB...:whistle: tastes like it would anyway...:crazy:
CookMySock
10th July 2009, 16:05
@HDTboy, cool! I got lots of that.

@slofox, LOL theres some of that in the fridge too.. shudder.. I wonder if the mrs would notice..

It seems that gun cleaning stuff put in an electric drill is the bizo.

<img src="http://www.thegunsource.com/DisplayPic.aspx?PIC=143138">

Steve
imdying
11th July 2009, 11:09
I love the stuff,but make sure you wear eye protection, one drop would be it.Definitely, it is quite nasty.


Bunnings? Rooly?Yeah, surprised me too.


I got a spray tin of some cheap shit from repco. It took most of it off.. nice, now I have a 1/3 painted cylinder... :slap:You could try spray on over cleaner, but be aware it's very aggressive, so don't leave it on there too long. Some metals don't like it very much, so I'd be testing it first.

I tried to goldilocks and polypad it after the stripper had finished (she was lovely too, but her skimpy top and white shorts got soaking wet from the waterblaster.. bugger!) and they seem to bring it up ok.. Looks like I need to get a machine in between the fins with some fine abrasive or something..

Anyone know how to machine-polish between fins? The only thing I have that will fit a gap that small is battery-powered and just not powerful enough. :rolleyes:Polishing is a shit of a job without all the correct mops and grinders etc, these days I just pay someone else to do it. The quality of finish remains long after the pain of the bill has passed (and it won't be that expensive).

If you're after a long term finish, look into high gloss silver powdercoats, polished alloy is dreadful to keep looking nice, it oxides quite quickly and then looks arse.
CookMySock
11th July 2009, 13:07
If you're after a long term finish, look into high gloss silver powdercoats, polished alloy is dreadful to keep looking nice, it oxides quite quickly and then looks arse.Ah yeah, that is becoming apparent. I inquired at the powdercoaters before I did anything, and they want to heat the engine parts to 180oC, which means a complete engine strip and degrease. Not sure if I am that committed.

Another option is high-temp paint, and sanding the fin edges to bright metal. This gives the black fins + shiney edges.

Steve
Subike
11th July 2009, 13:14
Another option is high-temp paint, and sanding the fin edges to bright metal. This gives the black fins + shiney edges.

Steve

Go check my profile pics steve, thats all I did with my cylinder block. a sanding block with 180 grit paper after painting the whole engine with H T enamel.
Make sure you do it on a nice warm day.
CookMySock
11th July 2009, 13:26
Yeah it looks good, bro.

Steve
jono035
12th July 2009, 11:00
@HDTboy, cool! I got lots of that.

@slofox, LOL theres some of that in the fridge too.. shudder.. I wonder if the mrs would notice..

It seems that gun cleaning stuff put in an electric drill is the bizo.

<img src="http://www.thegunsource.com/DisplayPic.aspx?PIC=143138">

Steve

You can get brass or nylon bristle barrel-brushes, those in an electric drill or dremel would work a treat I'd wager.
CookMySock
12th July 2009, 13:51
Yer, I've actually got some nylon ones. I'd worry about the metal center scratching the cylinder, but hey I'll try that anyways...

Steve
jono035
12th July 2009, 14:15
Yer, I've actually got some nylon ones. I'd worry about the metal center scratching the cylinder, but hey I'll try that anyways...

Steve

No idea, I only use em on steel or stainless :D