How to Remove Paint From Tin

Published: Aug 22, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

After that, a little bit of effort is really all you’ll need to get unwanted paint off of tin.

Things You Will Need

  • Safety glasses
  • Protective gloves
  • Paint brush
  • Non-caustic paint stripper
  • Putty knife
  • Cardboard box
  1. Supply adequate ventilation to your work area by opening windows and doors (if you are working inside). Put on protective eye wear and protective rubber gloves.

  2. Dip a clean paint brush into a bucket of paint stripper. Use the brush to spread the stripper liberally over the tin.

  3. Allow the paint stripper sufficient time to work. For many non-caustic paint strippers this can be six hours or longer; check the label, however, as it may vary by product.

  4. Scrape off the paint, using a putty knife or a scraper. It should be easy to scrape off--if it isn’t, apply more stripper and wait an hour or two longer before trying again.

  5. Use the putty knife you used for scraping the paint off to push the old paint into a cardboard box or another sturdy container. Remember to contact local hazardous waste authorities for information regarding proper disposal of used paint and paint stripper.

  6. Rinse the tin off according to the product directions. Usually, you will simply need to rinse it off with water.

The Drip Cap

  • When paint starts peeling from a tin item, you may wish to remove all of the paint and either leave the tin bare or repaint it.
  • Supply adequate ventilation to your work area by opening windows and doors (if you are working inside).
  • Use the brush to spread the stripper liberally over the tin.
  • It should be easy to scrape off--if it isn’t, apply more stripper and wait an hour or two longer before trying again.

Check out this related video from Homesteady on Youtube.

Corey M. Mackenzie

Corey M. Mackenzie has been a professional freelance writer for more than two decades. She received a B.A. with honors from Wichita State University. Corey specializes in writing about pets, interior decorating, health care, gardening,…

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