Stripping paint from aluminum wheel advice

J

JoeGravelle

New member
Having searched and not getting the info I was looking for I have some questions for the pro's out there



My current set of wheels I bought from someone off of Craigslist for a good deal with the tires. But they were paint black by someone and they should be a machined aluminum finish. (They are ultra lightweight OEM Mercedes wheels.. 11lbs each!)



IMG_3868.jpg




Mind the crappy pic. As well as the massive amount of fender gap



As you see they are black.



So, can I use "Aircraft Paint Stripper" [not for use on actual aircraft] to strip the paint and pick up a pneumatic polisher from harbor freight. Or even walnut shells



After that I am lost at what to do since I am afraid of what I will find. I'd like to keep the tires on so I do not have to mess around with mounting and etc.



thanks
 
Well I'm a Porsche guy and have restored numerous wheels on older 911's. Fuchs wheels are aluminum as well and the factory paint is tough stuff. Aircraft paint stripper has always worked very well. make take a few applications to get all the paint of but aftermarket paint will likely come off a lot easier.
 
Aircraft paint stripper definitely will do the job, but before you even consider buying the stuff, make SURE you read the MSDS and ALL applicable safe handling instructions. You don't want to be the guy that dies from misuse.



On a somewhat related note: Brake Cleaner = Phosgene Article
 
are you trying to restore them to the factory machined finish or polished finish? aircraft stripper works pretty well for removing paint on wheels (although it can be kinda messy). be sure you understand what you are using and use the proper protective equipment (ppe). implying your going to use a pneumatic polisher it would imply that your going for a polished finish. sanding blasting would be my choice if i had access to one. stripping them and repainting them euro silver is what i would probably do.
 
Thanks. I've used aircraft paint stripper a lot. but never on aluminum wheels. I have access to a blast cabinet but I'd have to dismount all wheels and tires. Painting them silver is not something I'd do with the wheels since when brand new they were a machined/light polished look. No mirror finish.
 
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