Stripping paint from a bike frame

[Gromit]

This is more a general biking-type question.

I'm in the process of restoring my 2 old MZ's - one of which I got up and running this afternoon - but the other's frame needs a bit of a re-coat of the paint variety. However, I want to strip, or at least clean off the previous owner's ham-fisted attempts - the paint looks like it's been applied with a yard broom.

I'd get the frame blasted but those who know MZ's will realise that the swingarm, if operating well in its current state, should be left in situ - blasting/powdercoating will wreck the rubber bushes.

I've heard 'Nitromors' mentioned a few times - I've heard of it (in terms of paint-stripping) but what does it do/how does one use it??

Many thanks

[Darth_1100S]

It just paints on with a brush Gromit, leave it for 10 mins and then scrape it all off along with the paint. Afterwards wash everything down with clean water. Wear eye protection and cover your arms and hands coz it burns like a bastard if you get it on your skin. VERY effective way of egtting paint off tho......Oh - don't get it into nooks and crannies where there are rubber seals - it'll melt them

Dave.

[mdouglas]

Nitromors will do it. You just dollop it on with a brush and wait. (Note I didn't say "brush" it on - you actually shouldn't spread it out like paint - works best if stippled on and left really thick)

Best result achieved if you bag the item up to stop it drying out before it's finished doing its stuff. You'll see the paint blister up really quickly, but you need to let it work through the various layers. It stings like hell if you get it on skin.

Another approach would be a cup brush on an angle grinder - not the noncey things you get for drills - but a real mans angle grinder version - the wires are twisted into plaits much like rope. Tough as old boots and leaves the metal in a great state for subsequent repainting (for which I'd use Smooth Hammerite).

[Gromit]

Cool - thanks Dave/MD

Where is it possible to buy the stuff from? I've not seen it in Halfords etc

[mdouglas]

B&Q should have it in various "flavours" - there's different ones for pain, varnish, distemper etc. I usually use the green one which is general purpose for paint.

[julian]

Grom
Stripped my S' fork lowers with Nitromors.
Wear thick rubber gloves and goggles & rub it in with wire wool after 5 mins.

Tip. don't touch your 'old man' or rub your eyes until you've washed you hands

[Darth_1100S]

Grom
Stripped my S' fork lowers with Nitromors.
Wear thick rubber gloves and goggles & rub it in with wire wool after 5 mins.

Tip. don't touch your 'old man

OOOOOOOOOOH the pain - how to strip a helmet in 3 secs flat, you'll be walking like John Wayne for months

Dave

[Rob B]

If the original paint is in good condition, a quick rub over with 100 grit will make the stripper more effective. I had the problem when I stripped a car years ago, old paint, mucho tuffo.

Rgds, Rob