Removing paint?

[Jimmer]

I have had a galvanized steel tank glass bead blasted at work, as well as several of my aluminum tanks, with no ill effects. I definetly wouldn't sand blast, or anything else that is very abrasive.

 

[halocline]

I just bought this tank, it hasn't arrived yet. I wouldn't mind taking off the orange paint as long as it's galvanized underneath. Is that a fair assumption?

 

[captndale]

I have found that diving frequently will eventually remove any paint on any tank.

 

[DoubleHoseDiver]

I have found that diving frequently will eventually remove any paint on any tank.

Without a doubt! Tim

 

[Couv]

My vote is to inspect under the bands and boots and if there no rust just dive them the way they are. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and I think you will look like a more seasoned diver leaving them that way at least until hydro time.

Now I have seen a few post displaying beautiful paint jobs on triples and doubles in this forum, but with tanks like that, I would be hesitant to dive with them.

Have a look at Nemrods AL 50ies in this thread:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tanks-valves-bands/252343-small-steel-doubles-vs-single-tank-2.html

and JohnW's in this thread:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/vintage-equipment-diving/202406-triple-tanks.html

Dammit Jim....now I have to contradict myself.

couv

 

[halocline]

I'm thinking of putting together a set of LP72 doubles, that's why I want to remove the orange paint if it's galvanized underneath.

Maybe I can find another orange LP72.

 

[rjack321]

Just about any chemical stripper will work. Just look on the label that its "safe for metal" I recommend those without methylene chloride since that is a carcinogen and the less exposure the better.

 

[Jimmer]

Maybe I can find another orange LP72.

Look for an old Healthways 72. I just picked one up (pics in my thread in the vintage section), and one of the shops I deal with apparently have several of them in the back still, from when his dad started the shop and was renting them out.

 

[tfsails]

If those tanks are old, I think I'd get them hydro'd BEFORE I stripped them. Better to find a bad hydro before you put all that work into them, I say.

I'm just wondering what the dumbass who painted those tanks was thinking when he tried to paint galvanized metal. It's best not done-you can't ever get a good surface prep on galvanized.

 

[captain]

If those tanks are old, I think I'd get them hydro'd BEFORE I stripped them. Better to find a bad hydro before you put all that work into them, I say.

I'm just wondering what the dumbass who painted those tanks was thinking when he tried to paint galvanized metal. It's best not done-you can't ever get a good surface prep on galvanized.

The dumbass was probably the manufacturer. It was quite common back then.