How to reveal original paint?
 

Hi Everyone, THE PO got a really bad paint job - Some areas look like it may have been rattle canned, and others look like it may have been rolled on. There is a really cool green color that is under it which I believe is original (when I remove the headlight bezel, Its around the headlights). I would like to remove the crap paint which is the top layer and reveal the original paint - or whatever is under it.

Can anyone provide any advice on what I should do? Should I wet sand with 600 grit? DA Sander? Dry sand? I really don't want to use chemicals as I have a small garage / alley to work with and disposal is a pain. Also - the exposed paint is so bad, and so poorly bonded that if you brush up against the truck, it will leave a white mark on your clothes (the truck is white).

Also, when sanding - any advice on what respirator I should wear? Here is the link to the one I currently wear for other things - will this work?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/3M-Mediu...A1-C/202080144

Thanks in advance!

Re: How to reveal original paint?
 

I forgot to add ,,some pics will help

Re: How to reveal original paint?
 

Start with a good washing, blue scotch brite. Wet sanding with 600 grit should be ok, might try mineral spirits. ( generic paint thinner)

Re: How to reveal original paint?
 

Wipe a little paint remover on it and rub it with a Scotch bright pad and you should see rings of the different colors.

Re: How to reveal original paint?
 

What year vehicle? Anything prior to 79 might have lead paint. Possible a newer vehicle might have as well. 78 was the last year lead paint could be made. Existing stocks were allowed to be kept until used. Something to keep in mind if kids are around.

Might experiment with a heat gun. Some paints crinkle up nicely under heat. Others just smoke and seem to bond better.

Re: How to reveal original paint?
 

I had a corvair, it had been overpainted. I was at the quarter car wash trying to remove a big blob of dried bird poop. Suddenly the overpaint started bubbling/blistering off from close contact with the pressure washer wand. I removed half the overpaint that day. The rest i removed with some plastic razor blades, the few stubborn spots i put industrial strength packing tape on, and the paint came off when i pulled the tape off. I had a nice
original paint job underneath, except for two spots that had been primered.