Could I use Brake Fluid as a paint stripper?

[HalfTonTom]

I have some years old Dot 3 brake fluid and a Craftsman tool chest that needs stripping. I know that brake fluid is damaging to paint, but could I use it to remove the paint on the tool chest?

 

[no704]

Probably a good start. Just be careful with what happens to it. Don’t want it getting into the ground. Maybe on a bed of cat litter?

 

[loganb]

Something like this only works if you get brake fluid on a surface you don't want to strip...if it's desired will never happen lol

 

[PCustoms]

Just be careful with what happens to it.

Yeah, I don't think it's a good idea. Having a mess of paint/brake fluid to dispose of sounds like a pain...

 

[four.cycle]

^ what he said.

 

[no704]

Yeah, I don't think it's a good idea. Having a mess of paint/brake fluid to dispose of sounds like a pain...

Agreed, but is it really much different than zip-strip and old paint?

 

[tarmy]

Nasty stuff that is. I wouldn’t do it inside nor without some proper gloves.

 

[CMB41]

KleanStrip Automotive

AKA aircraft remover. We used to joke this stuff actually “removes aircraft from the runway”. The new stuff is not as good as the older, I’m sure way more toxic variety. Put the box on a thick poly sheet outside. Apply. Should be good in about 30-45 minutes. Putty knife and a brass brush. Do not get on plastic/rubber.

 

[K13]

Better make sure you get every bit of it off before you go to repaint.

 

[CMB41]

Better make sure you get every bit of it off before you go to repaint.

Agreed. Wipe down with 3M prep cleaner before primer

 

[HalfTonTom]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I think I'll go with the abrasives approach instead of creating a hazardous waste site.

 

[Floating4]

Agreed. Wipe down with 3M prep cleaner before primer

why not just acetone?

 

[CMB41]

That’s fine too. I’m in Cali so prep cleaner is easier to get

 

[johninct]

Brake fluid will not work on Imron. Not strong enough.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I've done nothing more than just wet sand a tool box prior to painting.

 

[joe_padavano]

Sure, you can use brake fluid as a paint stripper. You can also heat your house by lighting a pile of dollar bills on fire. Neither is a particularly great idea.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Sure, you can use brake fluid as a paint stripper. You can also heat your house by lighting a pile of dollar bills on fire. Neither is a particularly great idea.

I believe that you will get more BTUs per dollar if you use $1 bills rather than $100 bills.

 

[Smilodon]

I believe that you will get more BTUs per dollar if you use $1 bills rather than $100 bills.

Better still if you use pound sterling. "British" thermal units and all...

 

[Milton Shaw]

Years ago I can tell you something else they used. I don't know how many cars I saw with 6 --3/4inch circles on fenders from people checking water in their battery and placing the caps in a line. The most I ever saw on one car was two sets as most people would figure it out after the first time, some slow ones took two times. That is one thing I'm glad we don't have to check every month anymore like back in the 50's and 60's until the low water use materials batteries came out.

 

[Metallitubby]

That’s fine too. I’m in Cali so prep cleaner is easier to get

I don't think the people in Colombia would care like those in California would.

 

[PCustoms]

I don't think the people in Colombia would care like those in California would.

 

[Metallitubby]

The beatings will continue until people stop being lazy with their words.

 

[PCustoms]

The beatings will continue until people stop being lazy with their words.

 

[Metallitubby]

 

[NYBODYMAN]

I distinctly recall being taught in auto body tech school during brakes/suspension class that if you ever get brake fluid on a body panel, the paint would/could be damaged and it will not be able to be repainted. Never experienced it (thank God) and never heard otherwise.

 

[firebirdparts]

I've seen it take something off in a hurry, probably enamel. But it's not a general purpose remover.

 

[TriumphFan]

Not a good idea. If it gets into seams, it will reappear at some point. Ask me how I know...

 

[Stuart in MN]

Sure, you can use brake fluid as a paint stripper. You can also heat your house by lighting a pile of dollar bills on fire. Neither is a particularly great idea.

He said he already has some old brake fluid, so cost isn't the issue.

 

[GDM]

As soon as you said "brake fluid" I got triggered with splotchy fender well images .

 

[afinepoint]

Umm. Use paint stripper to strip paint??? Am I missing something?