Removing beverage can UV-coating?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on effective methods for removing UV-coating from beverage cans, particularly for use in plastic modeling. Participants suggest that while chloroform may be a potential solution, it is uncertain if it will effectively remove the coating without damaging the aluminum. A successful method shared involves using a strong paint remover based on formic acid, which was applied to the can and scrubbed off after 20 minutes, resulting in a shiny aluminum surface. Additionally, a mixture of strong liquid soap with toluene, acetone, and ethanol is mentioned as a possible cleaning solution, although its effectiveness on aluminum remains unverified.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of UV-coating and its chemical properties
  • Familiarity with solvents such as chloroform and formic acid
  • Knowledge of safe handling practices for chemicals
  • Experience with aluminum materials in modeling
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical properties and safety of formic acid in paint removers
  • Investigate the effectiveness of various solvents on aluminum surfaces
  • Learn about alternative methods for removing coatings without damaging substrates
  • Explore the use of strong liquid soap solutions in industrial cleaning applications
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for plastic modelers, hobbyists working with aluminum materials, and anyone interested in safe and effective methods for removing coatings from metal surfaces.

mastercraft
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Removing beverage can UV-coating?

Hello everyone,
I would like to know how can I remove UV-coating of beverage can?
I'm a plastic modeler and I need the aluminum sheet to make some parts
for my models. Sanding method is not an option for me because it damages
aluminum and then I need to polish it which involves great deal of effort not to
ruin the sheet for further usage. So that asks for some kind of solvent to remove the coating.
I read somewhere that chloroform could be the solution
for me and I wonder if that is true. Also, could it be that formic acid may remove it?
 
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I believe that coating is highly crosslinked epoxy. It was designed to be impervious to the dilute phosphoric acid or citric acid present in soft drinks. Formic won't do it without attacking the aluminum as well. I don't know if the chloroform will swell it but acetone just might do it.
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/chemical-resistance-epoxy-d_786.html
 


Acetone is no use for this problem. I've tried it already.
 


use a solution of strong liquid soap dissolved 1:2 in a 5:3:2 of toluene, acetone and ethanol?

i use this sort of solution for washing polymer coated glassware, works every time. it quite easily separates the polymer from the glass while swelling it. let it soak and scrub it (gloves on) for a while, then wash with water and scrub again.

i do not know if it will work for aluminum.
 


Thank you for your answer chill_factor. In the mean time I managed to remove protective
coating from soda cans with strong paint remover, some Italian brand RR. It is based on
formic acid. I just smeared it on can and after 20 minutes I scrubed it away with some plastic brush. Also can be used a steel wool which could be even better. This leaves a perfect shine aluminum surface.
 


mastercraft said:
Thank you for your answer chill_factor. In the mean time I managed to remove protective
coating from soda cans with strong paint remover, some Italian brand RR. It is based on
formic acid. I just smeared it on can and after 20 minutes I scrubed it away with some plastic brush. Also can be used a steel wool which could be even better. This leaves a perfect shine aluminum surface.

So, which rust remover did you use?
 


I couldn't find it on internet so here's the photo.
Paint remover, scrubing wire and a sheet of aluminum cut out of soda/beer can.
I believe that paint remover is based on formic acid cause years ago I used
some other product which was based on formic acid and it had specific odour.
This one has the same smell but is in form of gelatine, the previous was in
liquid state.
 

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