Re: Paint, again

"Werehatrack" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On Sun, 30 Nov 2003 23:22:10 +1100, "Tim Jones"
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> may have said:
>
> >Do you need to use anything special to strip the paint off an Al frame?
>
> Avoid heat strippers, and avoid chemical strippers which do not state
> that they are safe for aluminum; follow the manufacturer's directions
> precisely when using a chemical stripper on aluminum, or you may end
> up with an etched surface.
>
> >I am
> >thinking that an angle grinder with a wire attachment would be too
abrasive?
>
> I wouldn't use anything that aggressive.
>
> As always, bear in mind before removing the old paint that it is very
> difficult to get paint to stick to aluminum; professional shops
> typically use paints that are not practical to obtain in small
> quantities, and they use equipment, preparation methods and other
> materials that are not available to the average amateur.  Unless there
> is some compelling reason to remove the old paint, your best bet is to
> leave it there and paint over it if you must change the color of the
> frame.  In my experience, the chances of getting a durable homebrew
> paint job on bare aluminum are slightly worse than the chances of
> avoiding a puncture when crossing a patch of goat heads.
>

I wasn't thinking of respraying, and my bike is quite new. Just thinking
ahead to when it looks ratty, that I may end up going for the naked
Aluminium look ;-)

Nice matt black paint on their at the moment.

Tim