using 80 grit paper

[70bee]

just to try some sanding when my new compressor I wiped down a panel on the superbee and slapped on some 3m 80 grit. Didnt seem to eat the paint very fast....this however could be normal??? Stock old paint from the 70s. It did eventually get to metal but seemed to take a lot.

[Phil V]

What sander were you using ?

[Len]

Which 3M sandpaper are you using? It makes a big difference because some types will not perform nearly as well as others. When we strip paint from metal in our shop we use 80 grit Norton 8" hook and loop disks on a slowly rotating Makita and find that we can do an entire care quite quickly. If you use stick-on paper on a DA or orbital sander it can take forever to remove the paint.


http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/Ferro-Norton.jpg
Paint Stripping Tools Link (http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=SPAR)

[70bee]

yup, stick on on a da....something I can get to take it off faster from your store? I do have 100 sheets of this 80 grit

[KC Majestic]

I chemically stripped my car, but it still has some paint on it. What paper should I use to finish it off???

Thank you

[Phil V]

70bee, If you have a traditional DA as opposed to a single mode orbital sander then you can lock the spindle on the DA so that it becomes a much more aggressive sander. Thats advice for making the things you have do what you want. It is not the optimum way of getting the job done but it is functional. My preference for stripping paint is the National Detroit 900 geared orbital 8" sander with 80 grit discs. It mostly referred to as a "mud hog". Some people prefer a bariable speed buffer with velcro foam pad also using 8 inch 80 grit paper.


As far as what is left after the chemical stripping - same deal, 80 grit on a DA or a mud hog. finish off with 220 then epoxy primer.

[Len]

The Hutchins Eliminator II is a great tool for stripping paint off metal. I had one returned because a mom bought the wrong tool for her son last Christmas and returned it unused a couple months ago. Of course the kid distroyed the box so it can't be sold for the original price. I told the mom that I'd ask $175 for it. So if anyone is interested in this item for a $50 (no box) discount you can call me at 1-888-485-5008. Those of you who know Hutchins tools know how well this sander is made. This is not a DA it is a geared rotary machine for stripping, leveling filler and polishing paint.

http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/HUT-2006.jpg
Hutchins Eliminator II Link (http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=HUT2006W&Category_Code=T)

[frpilot]

[QUOTE=Len] If you use stick-on paper on a DA or orbital sander it can take forever to remove the paint.

i tried using my craftsman air DA 6'' with stick-on 40grit paper last night to strip paint. its rated at 10,000rpms and it literally did took forever. in 1 hr, i probably stripped an area of about 1.5x1.5sq feet of paint. i doubt its more than 2x2ft.

what kind of sander should i get? an orbital? i tried to get a hook and loop pad, but my local home depot only sells a 5'' conversion sticker, which is a adhesive on one side with hook on the other side. some people say i can lock my DA and use it like that.

so i should something with low rpm like 1000? is low rpm more effective/faster? it doesnt seems like i can control my DA and its usually going at 10,000rpms.

[Len]

The best method that we've found for stripping is to use a "good" variable speed sander polisher and 8", 80 grit, hook and loop disks. We can do an entire car (except for the tight spots) in one or two days depending on the size of the car and the amount of material on the surface. The best part is that the same machine can be used for polishing after the car is painted.

The link below shows the process and tools we normally use. Links to the tools and materials is at the bottom of the linked page.


http://autobodystore.com/lac4.jpg
Strip and Repaint Link (http://autobodystore.com/strip_&_paint.shtml)

[JCCLARK]

When I got ready to strip my car I looked for the fastest way possible.
The DA was way to slow.
I bought a National Detroit air sander "DC-5", it's just like a DA except it's not
dual action, it rotates only. It takes paint of as fast as you can run it and
it leaves a smooth surface. I don't know why but the sanding discs lasts
longer too. It's twice as fast as a DA.
I love that tool for stripping, but wear a mask-it makes clouds fast.:cool:

Smart Shoppers has it for $109.00
http://www.smartshoppersinc.com/air-tools/air-tools1.html

[frpilot]

looks like i might have to buy the sander/polisher. looking at the makita on this site. i really wanted to strip the paint off my car within these next few days. i might have to borrow/buy one locally for the time being but its a good tool to have so i might have to buy one.

what's the purpose of a DA? i was told that a DA is good for stripping and leaves no swirls, unlike an orbital which can burn through and be uneven. seems like i was misinformed, and now i have a DA i can't/won't be using much.

[ko3579]

I used to not use my da much either but recently it has become more useful. You should be able to lock you disk in and be able to use it in a grinding motion to strip paint although not as fast as the makita it still does the job and I use it on small parts. I also have been using it in conjunction with foam pads and sure finish after I buff with the makita to remove swirl marks. I have the IR 911a I believe is the model number, Im sure your craftsman should have the disk lock on it. Without locking in the disk its useless as far as stripping.

KO

[lcorrell]

I just recently used stick-on 80 grit disks with a D/A to strip the paint on my '67 Lemans. However, my paint wasn't the original - it was 15 yr old dupont centari over lacquer primer. While it wasn't by any means quick, it was effective. If you remove the paint much faster you risk overly heating the metal and causing warping etc. Because of the recomendations on this site, I tried using an 80 grit disk on my variable speed sander/polisher and was very dissapointed. It builds heat so fast that it sort of melts the paint and quickly clogs up. After trying several speeds/methods/papers I gave up on it and went back with my D/A sander. Also a word of caution if you use the D/A in the locked or rotary mode - don't get any where near any body lines etc - use only on smooth surfaces or you will grind right through the metal in no time!

I did discover the 3m "stripper disks" work very well in areas where the D/A just won't work - such as door jambs etc. They strip the paint very fast, but because they are open cell and flexible they don't overheat the metal too fast.