Removing epoxy paint

[WhatsGoingOn]

We supplied HRS steel coat with a 2 parts epoxy paint to our customer. Parts were damaged in shipping (paint scraped off), and they were overall unhappy with the paint job (runs, globs). We have to remove the paint and apply again as touch-ups aren't acceptable(?). What is the best way to remove epoxy paint? These are large plates (~0.5 x 18 x 96), blasting will be time consuming, we are going to try wheelabrating, any suggestions welcome.

 

[CoryPad]

Blasting is very good if you have the space, but big parts like yours may be difficult. If you have dedicated equipment from Wheelabrator Group that can accomodate these parts, then that seems like the way to go.

But, if space and equipment are lacking, then how about unskilled labor using wire wheels or abrasive discs attached to electric or pneumatic rotary tools?


Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[coatingengineer]

Hi.

Do you have an oven, the ability to reach temperatures of 350F, 400F or higher?

Epoxies are stable to about 300 F. Higher temperatures, for just a few hours at your mass, will sufficiently degrade the material for an easy, light grit-blast removal.

Good luck!





William Gunnar

http://www.IndustrialCoatingsWorld.com

 

[berkshire]

If the plates are flat with no brackets or attachments, you could get them run through a wide belt sander like a Time Saver, I am presuming your dimension of 18 x 96 is in inches. This will also leave you a good finish for repainting.
B.E.

 

[corrosionman]

There is a wheeled machine that is used for cleaning decks of ships and aircraft carrier decks - -it is mobile shotblaster that sucks and recycles the shot as it progresses along so very quick and very clean Made by Blastrac Company in UK. Try to hire one for your job.CM

 

[WhatsGoingOn]

Thanks everyone for your posts. We ended up just going ahead with the Wheelabrator solution (no ovens hot enough in house). Apparently, our vendor ran them through three times, but it got ~95% of the paint off (and left a nice surface to repaint).