Stripping paint off of aluminum (Crossover)

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Liam Sullins
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Stripping paint off of aluminum (Crossover)

Post by Liam Sullins »

I'm needing some advice for stripping paint off of my Crossover when I start to work on it. What would be the best option for it? Sanding is going to take a lot of time...
'66 Sho~Bud Fingertip, Sho~Bud amps, Fenders, old cars and Tinkerin with steels!
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Marty Broussard
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Post by Marty Broussard »

If you’re completely disassembling the guitar you could consider having it soft bead blasted. Our shop can provide a smooth, light texture, and rough textured finished surface. You should be able to find someone in your area who can do it. Might cost a little but it’s a big time saver and the ultimate prepped surface.

Just my 2 cents...good luck!!
"Technique is really the elimination of the unnecessary..it is a constant effort to avoid any personal impediment or obstacle to achieve the smooth flow of energy and intent" Yehudi Menuhin
Eddy Dunlap
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Post by Eddy Dunlap »

Jeff Surratt has worked on/refurbished numerous Crossovers over the past few years(including a recent one that was Scott Shipley's now with Steve Hinson) and Pete Drake's. He always rebuffed or finished the hardware to the best cosmetic shape it can be in.
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Don Poland
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Post by Don Poland »

If you used a good quality paint stripper, would that not work? Unsure how aluminum is affected by paint stripper.
Herb Steiner
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Post by Herb Steiner »

The frame is an aluminum/magnesium alloy. It didn't have a smooth finish like polished aluminum so I think a paint stripper wouldn't harm the metal, though I don't know how attractive it would be.
My rig: Infinity and Telonics.

Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg?
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Marty Broussard
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Post by Marty Broussard »

I want to state that I made some assumptions in my first post.

-I remembered the crossover I owned had a black frame/endplates etc...all the metal except for the undercarriage was painted black...and maybe had a “krinkle” typed finish. So I assumed the OP’s guitar is like the one I had.

-I assumed that the OP’s intention is to repaint the metal frame black instead of going for something shiny.

The suggestion I posted was based upon the statements above. All possibilities should be considered based upon his goals.


Best regards,
MB
"Technique is really the elimination of the unnecessary..it is a constant effort to avoid any personal impediment or obstacle to achieve the smooth flow of energy and intent" Yehudi Menuhin
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Liam Sullins
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Location: Brookville, Ohio

Post by Liam Sullins »

Marty Broussard wrote:I want to state that I made some assumptions in my first post.

-I remembered the crossover I owned had a black frame/endplates etc...all the metal except for the undercarriage was painted black...and maybe had a “krinkle” typed finish. So I assumed the OP’s guitar is like the one I had.

-I assumed that the OP’s intention is to repaint the metal frame black instead of going for something shiny.

The suggestion I posted was based upon the statements above. All possibilities should be considered based upon his goals.


Best regards,
MB
I should of put that in there, sorry! My goal is to bring it out to a shine.
'66 Sho~Bud Fingertip, Sho~Bud amps, Fenders, old cars and Tinkerin with steels!
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Liam Sullins
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Post by Liam Sullins »

Eddy Dunlap wrote:Jeff Surratt has worked on/refurbished numerous Crossovers over the past few years(including a recent one that was Scott Shipley's now with Steve Hinson) and Pete Drake's. He always rebuffed or finished the hardware to the best cosmetic shape it can be in.
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I'll ask him, just spoke to him. He sent me a spring for the changer for my Crossover actually.
'66 Sho~Bud Fingertip, Sho~Bud amps, Fenders, old cars and Tinkerin with steels!
Bobby D. Jones
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Post by Bobby D. Jones »

Be very careful with using a paint remover on aluminum.
If it contains Caustic Soda or similar chemical it will eat and destroy the aluminum.
Check its use on a small spot to be sure it is safe before using.
Even Oven cleaners will make aluminum form a white dusty crust as the aluminum is eaten.
Paul Redmond
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Post by Paul Redmond »

Use "Kutzit". Won't harm the metal and it's not sloppy to use.
PRR
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Steve Schmidt
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Post by Steve Schmidt »

I wonder how a pressure washer would work?
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