Bodywork stripping

Bodywork Stripping products offered and sold by Carross: what are they used for?

Paint stripper is a chemical product designed to effectively remove existing layers of paint from a surface, including car bodywork. Here are some of the uses and objectives of paint stripper in the bodywork sector:

Stripping old paint :

Paint stripper is often used to remove layers of old or damaged paint from a vehicle body. This may be necessary when a car is being refurbished or the existing paintwork has become chipped, flaking or damaged.

Surface Preparation:

Before applying a new coat of Paint, it is important to have a clean, smooth surface. The paint stripper removes old coatings, traces of Wax, varnish or other contaminants, allowing the new paint to adhere better.

Repairing specific areas:

When a specific part of the bodywork requires repair or Touch up, using a paint stripper can be more targeted than sanding, preserving the original shape of the bodywork.

Save time:

Paint stripper can be quicker to use than mechanical stripping methods, such as hand sanding or the use of power tools. This saves time, particularly when treating large surfaces.

Minimising damage to substrates:

Some paint scrapers are formulated to minimise damage to underlying substrates, such as metal bodywork, plastic or Fiberglass. This preserves the structure and integrity of the body materials.

Reduced dust emissions:

Unlike sanding, which generates potentially hazardous dust, using a stripper can reduce the emission of fine particles into the air, improving the safety of the working environment.

Ease of application:

Paint strippers are often available in gel or liquid form, making them easy to apply to vertical or complex surfaces. Some products can also be used in Spray form.

It is important to note that the use of paint strippers requires careful handling. Some products may contain powerful chemical compounds, and it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and work in a well-ventilated environment.

Why use paint stripper in bodywork?

Paint stripper is used in a variety of bodywork contexts to effectively remove existing layers of paint and prepare the surface for repair, restoration or renovation work. Here are some of the specific contexts in which paint stripper is commonly used in the bodywork industry:

Restoration of old vehicles:

During the restoration of old vehicles, where the bodywork may have several layers of paint superimposed over the years, the use of a paint stripper allows the old coatings to be removed effectively.

Repairing damaged areas:

When a specific area of the bodywork is damaged, paint stripper can be used to selectively remove the affected paint without significantly altering undamaged areas.

Removing chipped or scratched paint :

If existing paintwork is chipped, scratched or damaged, paint stripper can be used to remove these defective areas to prepare the surface for a new paint application.

Body colour change:

When an owner wants to change the colour of their bodywork, paint stripper is used to remove the existing colour, providing a clean base for the new shade.

Repairing deep scratches:

Deep scratches that reach the underlying paint layer can be repaired by using a paint stripper to remove the damaged paint, followed by a Touch up or new paint application.

Renovating plastic surfaces:

On modern vehicles, plastic bodywork parts may require refurbishment. Paint stripper can be used to remove existing plastic coatings prior to the application of new finishing products.

Surface preparation before painting:

Before applying a new coat of paint, whether for spot repairs or a full paint job, using Paint Stripper ensures a clean, contaminant-free surface.

Removing incompatible paint :

If a bodywork has incompatible layers of paint or finishes that don't work well together, Paint Stripper can be used to remove the unwanted layers.

It is important to note that the paint stripper must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, following the appropriate safety protocols. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn, and work should be carried out in a well-ventilated environment to minimise exposure to potentially harmful vapours.