Getting paint off of carbon fiber

Joined
Mar 31, 2019
Messages
4,151
Location
Weiser, ID
Need to strip the paint off a CF stock. Denatured alcohol won't touch it and I've heard acetone will bone the CF. Any suggestions other than good ol sandpaper?
 

mxgsfmdpx

WKR
Joined
Oct 22, 2019
Messages
6,636
Location
Outside
Milwaukee makes a little m12 orbital detail sander. I use that little tool for tons of random stuff. Start with 400ish grit and work your way up to very fine.
 
OP
W
Joined
Mar 31, 2019
Messages
4,151
Location
Weiser, ID
Brake fluid is definitely out of consideration! I've seen what a drop of that stuff does when it lands where it doesn't belong.
 

Legend

WKR
Joined
Jun 13, 2017
Messages
1,011
I doubt there is a chemical made that would select to dissolve paint and not the resin in carbon fiber.

Sand is likely your only chance.
 

Weldor

WKR
Joined
Apr 20, 2022
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2,126
Location
z
Maybe just sand it smooth,primer and repaint with compatible paint?
 
Joined
Nov 16, 2019
Messages
353
Location
NorCal
Acetone on a rag or brillo pad. Don't stay in 1 place too long. It will work, just take some elbow grease.

I've removed paint from a LOT of cf stocks over the years. A lot.
 

elkguide

WKR
Joined
Jan 26, 2016
Messages
4,839
Location
Vermont
After painting/refinishing composite stocks for many years, I haven't found any products that works other than sandpaper. The chemical quick fixes end up making a lot of work to repair what happens.
 

Eluder

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
118
Location
MT
I’m not aware of a chemical but google “carbon frame paint removal” Bike nerds do it quite frequently and have found the fastest methods… I’m pretty sure that wet sanding is the most straight forward and accessible.
 
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