How can I remove epoxy based paint?

[TimmS]

A good friend of mine acquired some antique ceramic roof tiles. They came off of a warehouse that was built in 1904. He is a potter www.lockbridgepottery.com , and is building a new structure to house a wood fired Kiln. The tiles will become the new roof. The problem is that the tiles were stored in a building that was also used as a paint booth. he has extra tiles, and many only have the paint on the backs, but there are fancy end pieces for the ridge cap....one of them got the paint. All we know about the paint in that it is "epoxy based" according to the guys who were spraying it, the shop where they were stored does metal fabrication for the mining industry.

The wood/epoxy gas tank thread made my think that there may be a solvent that will get this stuff off...any help greatly appreciated.

[Paul Maselli]

Paint remover and time.

[David G]

If these were glazed tiles, then I'm guessing you've got a shot. If unglazed... fugeddaboudit!

[TimmS]

They are glazed...should have mentioned that... as far as paint removers go, what chemical does it need to contain to have a chance?

[David G]

I always start with a wipedown with the mildest solvents, then up the ante. If solvents don't work, then switch to stripper. Again, I'd start mild (citrus), and work my way up. However, if you just wanna nuke the stuff, I'm guessing you'd jump to something with Methylene Chloride. Ask your local supplier, as I'm just guessing based on general aggressiveness. There may be one particular chemical that works best on epoxy paints. Use the MK stuff outdoors. If it has to be indoors, set up fans and get LOTS of ventilation going. That stuff is nasty. I also wear a rubber apron and gauntlet length heavy nitrile gloves.


"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional"

[TimmS]

Thanks...I want the nastiest I can get....we tried an extended time period in lacquer thinner and then some basic paint remover,...no affect. glazed ceramic should resist any chemicals we can find shouldn't it? It will certainly happen outdoors, gloves, etc. standard procedure here...but thanks for reminding.

[peter radclyffe]

Thanks...I want the nastiest I can get....we tried an extended time period in lacquer thinner and then some basic paint remover,...no affect. glazed ceramic should resist any chemicals we can find shouldn't it? It will certainly happen outdoors, gloves, etc. standard procedure here...but thanks for reminding.
caustic soda, heat gun, bonfire, elaine stritch and madonna at full volume, thatll shift most things

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

Fuming nitric.

It will of course eat some glazes - your potter mate may know the glaze chemistry.

[D Happ]

Can you put them back in the oven and burn the paint off without damaging the tiles?

[stevedwyer]

I've had good results using this infared heat tool. No chemicals required.
"The Silent Paint Remover" http://www.silentpaintremover.com/rentone.htm

I ended up buying one because I like the way it works and have a large project, with probably more in the future. But you can rent it to.

[PaulT]

I know this will sound a little weird, but if they will fit, put them in the dishwasher and give it a go. I have had a little experience with epoxy decorated glass and it never held up in a dishwasher. It would be a cheap try... Oh,,, Hot water, by the way.

Sincerely:
Paul T

[SMARTINSEN]

Heat softens epoxy. Try a heat gun with an Scotchbrite pad that is not so hard so as to scratch the glaze.

[Dave Carnell]

Lye (caustic soda) is about the most effective paint remover I have ever used. It is also very dangerous to use because if you should splash it in your eye it gels the tissues so it cannot be washed out as acids can. It has also gotten a lot harder to find. When I was a kid almost 80 years ago I discovered that lye and aluminum (discarded pans) generated hydrogen. Lye in the grocery store then was a nickel a one-pound can. Today it is about a buck. Use it with caution.