EGB18C

Is there a chemical that will aid in this process or do I just use alot of elbow grease?

GhostAccord

Look or ask for a paint remover labeled Aircraft Paint Stripper. There are a few different manufacturers that sell these types of products. Or you could spend a few $$$ and have it media blasted.

kieran84

a grinder with metal brush on it would do a good job id say

inspyral

Aircraft remover is cheap and easy if you don't have access to a media/sand blaster

GhostAccord

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kieran84 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">a grinder with metal brush on it would do a good job id say</TD></TR></TABLE>

Wire wheel + High RPM + Aluminum Valve Cover = Quick Scratches and possibly uneven surface areas.

If you want to go with a grinder/sander I would suggest a flapper wheel and a dremel over a wire wheel and a grinder. With the flapper wheel method you are going to have to do progressive stages of grits to get a good finish. 180-220-400..etc etc...very time consuming but very good results if your looking for a polished look. Chemical remover is the fastest way next to plastic bead/peanut shell (soft media) blasting.

gibsanez

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GhostAccord &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Wire wheel + High RPM + Aluminum Valve Cover = Quick Scratches and possibly uneven surface areas.

If you want to go with a grinder/sander I would suggest a flapper wheel and a dremel over a wire wheel and a grinder. With the flapper wheel method you are going to have to do progressive stages of grits to get a good finish. 180-220-400..etc etc...very time consuming but very good results if your looking for a polished look. Chemical remover is the fastest way next to plastic bead/peanut shell (soft media) blasting.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I use flapper wheels at work and at home a lot, and they can be VERY aggressive because of the RPM they turn. Just be careful. I've yet to see a "fine" grit flap wheel, even anything above 180

GhostAccord

My bad ... few too many 's. I used the Dremel 80 grit flapper and then 180, 200 & 400 grit buffing ***** on my intake. They look like little brown(200) or purple(400) afros

Thanks for the correction gibsanez

gibsanez

It's all good dood

powderedcivic

media blasting is a big no no on honda valve covers! media get all up in the oil baffils and it wont do good for your engine. i have found the best results with aircraft stripper and a wire brush/pressure washer. although if you have a wrinkle paint textured valve cover like the b18 and many other you can heat it up in hot water with degreeser (purple power ftw) and power wash it and it usually comes right off. but what ever you do dont blast it.

GhostAccord

I would never suggest to use sand blasting on a valve cover. There are places that use different types of soft media vs sand. Take soda, plastic beads, or how about nut shells. These are all examples of soft media blasting materials that I referred to in my post. I don't think that there would be to much soda left in the baffles of a valve cover after a good hot water bath.

powderedcivic

well i sand blast on a daily basis and i wouldnt do it myself. i have seen oil baffels after i blasted them (non rivited that is) and bathed them and media still gets in the smallest of places. including your walnut shells glass beed and silica carbide. i never ment to make you think i was prying on you i just wanted to look out for this dude and his car.

GhostAccord

All is cool, I'm just going from my own personal experiences while sand blasting. I've sand blasted a few steel VC and never had any problems...I guess it all comes down to how much prep the shop does with there items. I've always tapped the baffles or any other orifice that is not directly contacted by media. So that airborne or over-spray media wouldn't get into them.....Painters tape works wonders!

powderedcivic

yes i would have to agree i have powdercoated tones of times and its all about the prep. i would rather spend three hours on prep and 15 minutes on coating. it really shows check out my website.

gsspowdercoating.com