Anyone got a good method for removing the black paint from a marine engine part? I was given a Mercruiser 160 (that is really a 250 straight-6 chevy) and it has a nice finned aluminum valve cover that I would like to polish up for my El Camino project but it is covered in very tough black paint or powdercoat or something.
I have a sandblasting cabinet if it comes to it but I am afraid that will make the finish too rough to polish.
In reply to oldopelguy (Forum Supporter) :
If it is powder coat you have to burn it off. This always raises the fear of warping on aluminum. Start with paint stripper. If that has no effect try sanding the fins for contrast. If the paper loads up and smears the color it is powder. I hate that stuff!
I read somewhere the other day that you need heat to remove powder coat. It doesn't have to be a lot. If it's paint, use the aircraft paint stripper. FYI this stuff is going away as we make the speaks. I last saw some in an Ollie's store real cheap.
After blasting, sand with progressively finer grits to about 4k grit. Then polishing will be fabulous
Sanding the edges of the find sounds like a good plan.
The black will radiate more heat, it will look more unique, there's less chance of damage, and it will be a lot easier.
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