Preparation for painting

[Dave Boller]

Heck, anything that can etch into metal, will probably rot your brain cells and make your liver explode. So what can you really use?

[Stephen White]

Sarah, thanks. I've just acquired a 5L tin of UPOL System 20 Fast Panel Wipe for £15.99 on Ebay. There are some other, cheaper options but UPOL works well for primer. Judging by the safety label, it's both toxic and highly inflammable so gloves and respirator at the ready but I'll give it a go. If nothing else, it's a lot cheaper than Boots nail varnish remover.



Stephen

[Eric Ho]

For cleaning, I have found that using a motorcycle degreaser such as S100 or equiavalent leaves a very clean bone dry surface - just ready for primer, just make sure to rinse it clean. I typically degrease, dry, apply texturing using tools, degrease, and then prime/paint.

[simon_manning]

thats good stuff stephen, u-pol panel wipe. it will melt surgical gloves, just put a little hand cream on first with no gloves, its not as bad as you think. dont drink it though, regards simon.