Need paint stripper advice

[ironman]

Prior to 2019 most brands of paint strippers worked decently because they contained methylene chloride. Then Big Brother banned the ingredient from use in paint strippers available to consumer sales, and now the "hardware store" variety of paint strippers are all pretty much a waste of money.

I am starting a new restoration project and was hoping someone could suggest a brand or source for a stripper that can do some serious removal of automotive/industrial type paint on metal. I don't mean that citrus crap for kitchen cabinets.

Thanks in advance for any good info.

[longislandcubs]

I had a multi-layer of spray as well as the original paint on a set of Original fenders...I used a product from Total Boat. Its called Totalstrip Marine Paint & Varnish Remover. I think the web site was called TotalBoat, it was a bit pricey but I just couldn't find anything at the box stores that worked...

[ironman]

Thanks for the lead, but Are you saying that it worked great or so-so.
I checked their web site, they seem to indicate use for varnished wood on boats.
Price is not bad for a whole gallon, if it does the job.

[spndncash]

I have used totalboat it worked well on the paint and so-so on powdercoat. It took several coats on the powder coat but it did come off. second choice I have used aircraft remover and it was about the same result.
I dont know where you are in PA but I have 9/10 of a gallon of Citristrip that you can have because it is utterly useless!

I look for products not available in California then I know they will work! haha

[longislandcubs]

I have tried all of the box store products. Nothing works like the pre-regulation paint strippers. The TotalBoat product worked the best for removing paint off of old, multi-layer projects I have worked on. I did find that you have to keep it off of rubber or plastic as it did soften them up.

[ironman]

OK Guys, I will give the TotalBoat a shot. I had never heard of it before so it will be a leap of faith on you guys. Thanks for your input.

[docmirror]

You aren't going to like the price.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...All%20Products

This is the only place you can get it. You'll also need to sign a wavier I think. But - it works. I strip aircraft sometimes, and it'll take enamels and lacquer right off.

[ironman]

With the crap you buy in the big box stores price becomes the same if iyou spend the money for somthing that does nothing and have to turn around and buy the better stuff anyway.
I already ordered the TotalBoat product mentioned above. I hope it works but if not I will follow your lead. Thanks for the tip.

[ironman]

Here's an update for anyone curious....
I ordered the TotalStrip recommended by the members above. I found a discount coupon online, so the cost for one gallon with free shipping came to $56.94 and it arrived via FedEx in about 2 days.
I have already used it on a couple of different projects and I am not disappointed.
On not so tough paint, it does the job with no sweat or extra effort in one application. Harder finishes take multiple applications and a little elbow grease, but I experienced that with the old, now banned stuff also.
I would rate TotalStrip just a notch below the old stuff, like probably an A minus.
On the plus side, there is very little to no odor and it does not burn if you get it on your skin.
I'd buy it again!
https://www.jamestowndistributors.co...t-detail/98140

[longislandcubs]

Im very glad its working out...I too tried all of the big box store products and found this to work the best.