Removing Paint from Cast Iron Fireplace

[Roger H]

Hi all.

I've bought a cast iron hob grate to replace the one kindly ripped out by a previous resident. It has a charming coat of peach gloss paint. Is the best method to paint-strip (heat gun?) it myself or to get it dipped somewhere? Thanks for pointers.

 

[plasticpigeon]

I'd get it dipped, just because it is easier.

 

[Penners]

I think I would probably get a cast iron fireplace dipped. You might be able to save a pound or two by stripping it yourself, but that's always going to be a messy job. Dipping is also likely to be more effective at getting the paint out of any intricate mouldings, too.

Some people might advocate sand or grit blasting, but this risks damaging the thin edges of any fine mouldings.

 

[Roger H]

Thanks both. Dipping it is then.

 

[skier-hughes]

I used nitromors on mine, if you look back a few years you'll see before, during and after pictures.

 

[Roger H]

Thanks Skier Hughes - is it lost in the mists of time or can you point me to a link?

 

[middi]

If it is cast Iron just use a blow torch untill all the paint has burned away. It is hardly going to do any damage is it.

Middi

 

[plasticpigeon]

Would you not be worried about burning lead paint?

 

[Keith Bowman]

I used nitromors on mine, if you look back a few years you'll see before, during and after pictures.

I think you will find that Nitromors has now been made safe to use, so safe in fact that it cannot harm any paint either! :x

 

[middi]

Would you not be worried about burning lead paint?

Do it downwind

Middi

 

[skier-hughes]

pictures

 

[Roger H]

Great pictures. Thanks.

 

[skier-hughes]

5 layers of different paint on the fireplace if I recall, 2 blue, 1 green and two brown!! Took 3 applications of nitromors to get the end result.