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Before re-painting interior or exterior metal surfaces, you’ll need to remove the old paint. Whether you’re giving tired metal furniture a makeover, painting garden fencing or touching up your radiators, we have plenty of tips for removing metal water-based paint. Our guide covers everything you need to know about how to remove paint from metal, from the best products to tried-and-tested methods.
The process is the same whether you’re stripping oil or water-based paint or removing enamel paint from metal. Firstly, ensure you’re wearing the correct PPE, including gloves, goggles and a mask. Always work in a well-ventilated, open area (preferably outdoors), as chemical paint strippers, heat guns and angle grinders produce fumes and debris.
When removing paint that may have been applied before 1960, we recommend testing for lead. Lead is highly toxic, so you’ll need to remove it using a chemical stripper to avoid any dust being created. Alternatively, call a professional to remove lead paint safely.
If the surface you’re painting has rusted, you may want to address this before painting to prevent further corrosion. Learn how to remove rust in our step-by-step guide.
'There are several ways to remove paint from metal, including chemical paint strippers, paint scrapers, heat guns, angle grinders and DIY methods using household items. Any of these techniques are suitable for water-based paints, so explore each option below to find the best solution for the job.
'Wondering how to strip water-based paint from metal quickly? Chemical paint strippers are the ideal choice. They’re the best option for larger metal objects like furniture and hard-to-reach areas.
You can lightly sand the existing paintwork before applying the paint stripper so it will penetrate deeper and work faster. Take care not to scratch the metal underneath, as this could impact the finished look after you re-paint.
Choose a paint stripper suitable for metal and apply an even coat with a brush. Leave it until the paint starts bubbling or peeling away – exact timings may vary depending on the product.
'After applying paint stripper, use a paint scraper to remove the loosened paint. Take care not to scratch the metal – the paint should come away fairly easily. For stubborn areas where paint remains, you may need to repeat the stripping and scraping process a few times.
Heat guns are great for removing small areas of paint. They can remove multiple layers of paint at once, saving you time. Extreme heat can warp metal, so use the lowest temperature setting on your heat gun and gradually increase it as required, working in short bursts. The paint will start to bubble or peel and can be scraped off using a paint scraper. Don’t handle the metal until it has cooled completely.
Angle grinders are ideal for removing large, flat areas of paint quickly, like fencing or doors. However, they produce a lot of dust compared to other methods. To avoid damaging the surface, choose a stripping disc suitable for metal.
'If you’re looking for a quick and easy DIY hack to remove paint from small metal objects, boil them in a solution of vinegar and baking soda for 15 minutes. This will break down the paint, causing it to loosen or flake off and making it easier to remove.
Hammerite Ultima is a durable water-based metal paint. It can be applied over rust or to unprimed metal surfaces, making it a reliable and time-saving choice when painting exterior metal. Available in matt and smooth finishes, find the perfect paint for your next decorating project with Hammerite Ultima.
Alternatively, browse Hammerite's complete collection of metal paint, primers and rust treatments to find the products you need.
