Advise on Stripping a Cast Iron Fireplace

[Casshanuts]

Hi,
I have just started stripping the cast iron fireplace in my bedroom, which has a decade of paint on. So far I seem to be doing a good job, taking it slow. In places I can see the black of the cast iron, but there is a horrible brown like enamel/thick paint covering the cast iron. This stuff does not melt like paint as I have tried coats of paint remover, but the stuff won't shift. Does anyone know what it is and how can I remove it without having to take the fireplace out.
Regards

 

[Pford75]

Firstly, be aware that the paint may well have lead in it, so I would advise against using a heat gun to strip. Chemical strippers are best and we have had a lot of success with the 'gel' kind which stays on the surface much longer without running off. No getting away from the fact that it takes a long time and is a bit fiddly.

If you really are having no luck with one of the paints, I would consider sending a sample to 'Strippers of Sudbury' who can then identify their appropriate stripper.

 

[Nigel Watts]

Using electric paint stripper heat guns on cast iron may not work because the thermal conductivity of the iron doesnt allow the required temperature to be reached. I have used a gas blowtorch in the past to overcome this, but it depends how comforable you feel with this. Stripping with nitromors should normally work but might take a few applications, and you may need to give it a good scrub with a wire brush.