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I have been requested to remove paint from a body panel on my current project. The requester used the term "gently" to describe the removal of paint. So I guess sand blasting is out. Suggestions?

The shops I'm familiar with that do high-end work use a chemical stripper.

Thanks, I have used a chemical stripper on my Tear Drop camp trailer and found that it did the trick. I was able to do that project outdoors. That is not an option on this project, so I suppose I will need to use a fan to move as much air as possible.

You could try a citrus-based stripper, they aren't real powerful but much less toxic. As we all know the nastier the chemical the better it works.

Scrape loosened paint off with plastic tools that you can toss when they start to wear or dissolve in the stripper. If you're doing a lot buy a box of real cheap windshield scrapers or similar. Also you can scrub with some scotch-brite pads to remove the loosened stuff.

Thanks, we share views on citrus based strippers. I appreciate the suggestion of plastic tools. I typically shy away from one use wonders, mostly because I hate throw away attitude, but I might be a little frugal as well.

I developed a good 2 step technique when I worked at the Kughn collection. Go to the auto paint store, or the auto parts store and buy the aerosol cans of "Aircraft stripper" this is NASTY stuff, wear your thick rubber gloves. Step 1) Spray it on a manageable area of about 2 sq. ft. at a time, let is sit for about 10 minutes. The paint will start to curl up and look like Lasagna noodles. At this point you scrape it off with a bondo spreader or similar soft-edged scraper. There will be a layer of primer left.
Step 2) get a bunch of red Scotchbrite pads ( available from the auto paint store or Home Depot) Dip them in lacquer thinner and rub off the primer layer and you will be left with perfectly clean metal.

Thanks, 1st layer of paint is bubbling away.

Also a flat razor blade in a holder can be used to strip paint if the chemicals fumes or sanding dust would present a hazard indoors.

thanks, I think the project is done, at least for now.