Decoating

Damaged coatings, incorrect paint applications or workpieces with multiple layers of paint cannot always be repaired economically. In many cases, it is more practical to remove the existing coating completely without damaging the underlying material.

In chemical paint stripping, coatings and paint layers are removed from the substrate using a suitable paint stripper. Depending on the coating system and stripping process, the product may soften, penetrate beneath or break down the coating. The dissolved residues can then be removed, for example, by rinsing or mechanical cleaning.

RHOBA-Chemie develops and supplies hot and cold paint strippers tailored to different coating systems, substrates and processes.

Get advice on paint stripping

What is paint stripping?

Paint stripping refers to the targeted removal of paint layers, powder coatings or baked-on coatings from a workpiece surface. Unlike mechanical removal, chemical paint strippers specifically attack the coating. Depending on their mode of action, they may soften, swell or penetrate beneath the coating, allowing it to be removed afterwards.

Typical applications include:

  • Incorrectly coated or incorrectly painted workpieces
  • Components with multiple layers of paint
  • Painting fixtures, racks and hangers
  • Components before recoating or repair painting
  • Workpieces where existing coatings need to be removed completely

Applications of Paint Stripping

Paint strippers are used in a wide range of industrial applications, including:

  • Automotive industry
  • Aviation
  • Paint shops
  • Metalworking industry

Cold Paint Stripping and Hot Paint Stripping

Chemical paint strippers can generally be divided into cold and hot paint strippers. The appropriate type depends on factors such as the coating system, substrate and process conditions.

Cold Paint Strippers

Cold paint strippers are used at comparatively low temperatures. Depending on the product, they can be used in immersion baths or for targeted manual surface treatment.

RHOBA SUPRA E101 is a liquid, acidic cold paint stripper for immersion applications. It can be used at room temperature and heated to up to 40°C if required.

For vertical and hard-to-reach surfaces, RHOBA SUPRA E102 is available as a thixotropic cold paint stripper. Its gel-like consistency allows the product to be applied directly to the surface. Depending on the application, it can be applied by brushing, rolling or spraying.

Hot Paint Strippers

Hot paint strippers are used in heated stripping baths. The elevated temperature supports the removal of coatings and can be used for resistant paint and coating systems.

For aluminum and aluminum alloys, RHOBA-Chemie offers RHOBA SUPRA E201, an amine-free hot paint stripper. Other hot paint strippers in the product range are designed for different substrates and applications.

Which Coating Systems can be removed?

Depending on the product, our paint strippers can remove, among others:

  • Baked-on coatings and air-drying paints
  • Powder coatings
  • Epoxy resins and epoxy primers
  • Polyurethane paints
  • 1K and 2K coating systems
  • High-solid coatings

RHOBA SUPRA – Our Paint Stripping Product Range

The RHOBA SUPRA range includes paint strippers for different substrates, coating systems and processes:

ProductTypeApplication
RHOBA SUPRA E101Liquid, acidic cold paint stripperImmersion applications
RHOBA SUPRA E102Thixotropic high-performance cold paint stripperReady to use, also suitable for vertical surfaces
RHOBA SUPRA E201Amine-free hot paint stripperSpecifically for aluminum and aluminum alloys
RHOBA SUPRA E301Cold paint stripperImmersion applications, incorrectly coated workpieces and painting fixtures
RHOBA SUPRA E401Ready-to-use hot immersion paint stripperSuitable for steel, iron and aluminum
RHOBA SUPRA E402Ready-to-use, NMP-free hot paint stripperFor applications with increased occupational safety requirements
RHOBA SUPRA E403Amine-free, highly alkaline paint stripping concentrateSteel and iron components, immersion or spray applications
RHOBA SUPRA E501Solvent-based paint stripperSpraying, rinsing, immersion, brushing and wiping; also suitable for oils and greases

Your Benefits with RHOBA-Chemie

RHOBA-Chemie offers paint strippers for a wide range of industrial requirements. Our product portfolio includes:

  • Cold and hot paint strippers for different substrates and coating systems
  • Products for stripping components, painting fixtures and incorrectly coated workpieces
  • Technical consulting and laboratory analysis to help select and optimize suitable paint stripping systems

Request Advice on the Right Paint Stripping Solution

Would you like to find out which paint stripper is suitable for your application and what costs you can expect? Discuss your requirements directly with our technical experts. Based on your specifications, we can assess which RHOBA SUPRA product may be suitable for your process.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Stripping

What is the difference between Paint Stripping and Paint Removal by Pickling?

Paint stripping is the general term for removing paints and coatings. Pickling is a chemical paint removal process in which a stripping agent softens, dissolves or breaks down the coating. The softened or dissolved paint residues are then removed, for example, by rinsing or mechanical cleaning.

What methods are used for Paint Stripping?

Chemical, thermal and mechanical methods are available for paint stripping.

In chemical paint stripping, the coating is treated with a suitable paint stripper. Depending on the product and coating system, the coating may be softened, penetrated from underneath or broken down. The coating residues can then be removed, for example, by rinsing or mechanical cleaning.

In thermal paint stripping, elevated temperatures are used to remove or decompose the coating. The substrate and its resistance to thermal stress must be taken into account.

In mechanical paint stripping, the coating is removed by methods such as blasting or grinding. Whether this method is suitable depends, among other factors, on the substrate, component geometry and surface condition.

What is the difference Between Paint Stripping and Degreasing?

Degreasing removes oils, greases, metalworking fluids and other contaminants from a surface. Paint stripping, on the other hand, is used to remove existing paint and coating layers.

Both processes can be used as successive steps in a surface treatment process.

How are stripped components further processed?

After paint stripping, components are cleaned or rinsed according to the stripping process used. For steel and iron components, passivation may be appropriate to help protect the surface against renewed corrosion.

If the component is to be recoated, subsequent surface treatment is coordinated with the coating process that follows.