Strip & Paint or Scuff and Paint

[Mowe]

I have a take off set of HD tins that have zero road miles I want to paint. The question is, is it better to strip off the factory paint and start from scratch, or just scuff up the factory finish and paint. I've painted cars in the past, and if the old paint was good and had a factory finish, I would just paint over it. What do you pros do? Thanks.

 

[Jim]

Mowe,There is no need to strip em unless there is a pinstripe even then,just smooth down with 400grit and go!!!

 

[hoss]

when should you strip? (paint that is)

 

[Jim]

A good time to strip (your paint) is when your uncertain of the base,Old paint is too thick or the paint is having adhesion problems.jim

 

[Mowe]

Thanks Jim. I've always been told by old painters that it's better to use a good substrat ( origanial finish ) rather than starting with bare metal, but I suppose working in a shop there are concern's with time.......Time = $$$$

 

[Jim]

If i strip down to metal,I like to use HOK's epoxy primer,it sticks to everything.But,If the paint is in good shape,there really is no point in stripping.Custom painters who are doing a multi layer, heavy graphics may like to strip to keep things thin but for a normal paint job,don't waste your time.jim

 

[Ultra Al]

The obvious exception would be those years where the factory paint lifted. AL