In this article I am going to post a few videos demonstrating the different ways to strip a car to metal.  I am often asked if it is necessary to strip the paint finish to metal when performing a complete paint job.  Or, they feel stripping the paint to the metal will produce a higher quality result.    However, if the paint on the vehicle is in good condition, it is not necessary to strip the paint off.  In fact, it’s better to leave the original finish and e-coat that was applied at the factory.  If that is the case,  all that is needed is proper cleaning and final sanding and you’re ready to paint.

What if the paint is not is good condition? Well, that is when stripping comes in.  Some of the paint defects that may require stripping are: peeling, rust, checking, cracking, paint too thick, etc.   If one of these paint defects are present, it may be necessary to partial strip or strip to metal.  I know of three ways to strip: media blasting, chemical strippers, and sanding.  Well, if the paint is not adhering well you can also blow, pressure wash or scrape the paint off.   Below I fond a few videos on YouTube demonstrating  a few of stripping techniques.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB318hvRHZQ[/youtube]

Media Blasting

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwwZAZi2N1c[/youtube]

Chemical Stripping

The third way is to use a Dual Action sander and sand the paint off with course grit sandpaper followed by a finer grit sandpaper.  If you only have one or two panels to strip, I believe that this is the easiest method to use.  Most shops do not have a media blaster and chemicals are messy.  However, if you are doing a restoration job that there is evidence of rust, I would recommend the media blasting.  You may have to sublet that out to a company that is know for doing good work.