Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Removing silver paint from Cast Iron Fireplace

We have a cast iron fireplace sitting in our shed that is covered in silver paint that we want off! We have plans to fit in our living room and have it as a working open fireplace, what is the easiest way to go about it? We are in the Bromley, Kent area.

Sarah Basten
hobbyist - UK
February 26, 2009

---

First of two simultaneous responses -- February 27, 2009

I think that most silver colored paint contains a good bit of aluminum. Try Easy Off oven cleaner [on eBay or Amazon]. The old one that has a high lye content to it. If that fails check with the paint store and see what they have for a stripper. All of these are nasty, so follow instructions to the letter.
If all else fails, build a really hot fire in it and see of you can burn it off.

Sand blast will remove the paint, but may remove too much iron with it.

How about a nice matte (flat) high temp black or gray paint over the silver. That is the cheapest and fastest way.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

---

Second of two simultaneous responses --

Try any solvent based paint stripper-it must work.Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
March 2, 2009

---

First of two simultaneous responses --

Buy a can of Nitromors from a D-I-Y shop and follow the instructions.

Geoff Crowley
Crithwood Ltd.
Westfield, Scotland, UK

March 3, 2009

---

Second of two simultaneous responses --

Look up "powder coating" in your local "Yellow Pages". Phone two or three of them and ask the price to "shot blast" and "powder coat" using a polyester powder... a cast iron fireplace surround. They should be able to offer several colours and degrees of gloss that will meet your requirements.

Terry Hickling
Birmingham, United Kingdom
March 3, 2009