How to remove paint from powder coated window frames?

[Sheddy]

I bought my first house a few months ago. The previous owners have painted over powder coated sliding door frames.

The white paint which has been applied over the powder coated surface is flaking which reveals the dark grey powder coat beneath. The powder coated surface appears to be in good condition, no signs that an abrasive was used to prepare it for painting.

Question: What is the safest way to strip the white paint without damaging the powder coated surface?

[EricL]

Hello @Sheddy 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about removing paint on your window frame.

I'm afraid I'm unaware of a method to safely remove the paint that's currently on the frame without damaging the powder coated paint underneath. You could try using a Pro Renovator 50mm Plastic Scraper to try and lift the chipping paint. There is also the option of using Norton Bear 50mm x 25 White Cloth Tape. Put it near a flaking section and pull it off in a hard jerking action to strip the paint off the surface. 

Otherwise, I suggest thinking about sanding down the paint and spray painting the window frame again.

Let me call on our experienced members @Jewelleryrescue and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Sheddy 

I see there paint work was a bit of a rush  job and a bit patchy I see why you want to fix it.

Generally speaking powder coating is a pretty robust finish so we need a mechanical means to attack the added paint  or even a paint  removal  gel to soften the outer paint.

Plan A

Poly 1L Polystrippa Paint Stripper - 1L  I/N: 1715074   @21.98

After tryng the  paint stripper in a hidden test spot I think @EricL plastic scrapper might work here.

Plan B Well i would use a cordless drill with a pin wheel shaped  wire brush to abraid looser  paint off.   Steel pot scrubber might help getting into corners. Tricky to guide the brush on the drill have spare  drill battery ready to go.

PLAN B1  A light use of a detail sander may assist removing  the  paint but be warned this may go through the powder coat.

Josco 50mm Wheel Wire Brush

5 (4)

I/N: 6315241

Josco 50mm Wheel Wire Brush In6315241

$5^.65

^{Plan C Paint removal  is a hard messy  job.}

^{Consider simply painting the  door frames in your prefered color}

[Sheddy]

Thanks @EricL!

[Sheddy]

Thanks for the advice @Jewelleryrescue and for validating my feelings towards the rushed pain job.

It's reassuring to know Plan C is an option. I've never tried painting over a powder coated surface before. Do you have any advice on how to do this properly?

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Sheddy 

Sorry  for delay  

Painting over a powder coated surface should be not an major issue.  Sadly will never  be as nice as a stripe down and repaint as  the old paint looks as though a cheap brush was  used   lumpy texture ( I love cheap brushes some times aka  disposable) but some times a  good brush real amps up n original  paint job.

It looks like the former painter didnt bother to clean wipe down the lower door frame areas where the most dirt collects .  So  paint on loose dirt will result as flaking longer term. So  use  some sand  paper as follows all over the frames to clean and weed out flaky spots/

If your goal is repainting  over the other peeling paint areas use 800 gt to 1000gt wet and dry sand paper. the aim is to cause the loose flaky stuff to  rub  off.  The finer sand paper will also aid in feathering off the peeling paint edges so the pealed  areas look more flat and smooth when new  paint applied.  If the old paint stays on then a new coat over the top should be ok. This  paper will also smooth old  paint texture.

If you really concerned  new paint may easily peel off there are some extra strong undercoats you can apply first/

Acrylics can  still chip and bruse quite easily regardless of the surface they are on.  I paint PVC storm water pipes and you only need to sneeze near it and some paint might scratch off but this is ok for my application as I will retouch outdoor paint work periodically. Other wise  use a high strength bonding undercoat.

I am older and a bit less keen on a major paint stripe and repaint job.   if I was doing your frames a good 1000gt sanding  all over  on a  cork block and a  then  paint your color to suit your decore using a  good brush will do a decent job.

Enjoy  your project.

[Sheddy]

Thank you @Jewelleryrescue!