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Q&As since 1989


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Removal of paint from 6061-T6 Aluminum Bike Frame

What are the best methods to remove and restore paint on a welded aluminum bicycle frame (6061-T6), without damaging the base material or the welds? The intent is to re-paint the frame with a high-quality finish, such as DuPont Imron.

Arthur O'Donnell
Systems Engineer - Gilbert, Arizona
2006

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Use a fine wire wheel on a drill, it won't hurt the metal and it will leave a nice surface for the paint.

Sheldon Taylor
supply chain electronics
Wake Forest, North Carolina
2006

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Is a fine wire wheel a better solution than fine sandpaper (like 180-grit) and/or some type of chemical stripper?

Arthur O'Donnell
- Gilbert, Arizona, USA
2006

For a paint stripper to be used, you need to know what kind of paint it is. Second, you can not use a caustic hot dip on it. 180 is a rough sandpaper that you would start with. You would end up using 800 or finer for the final sanding. Check to see if the type of paint you want to use is compatible with the existing paint. If it is, you would be far better to very lightly sand the paint and then paint over it.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2006

What about a steel frame? Do you recommend the same procedure? Thanks.

David Rojas
- Brownsville, Texas
2006