Removing beverage can UV-coating?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for removing the UV-coating from beverage cans, specifically for the purpose of obtaining aluminum sheets for plastic modeling. Participants explore various solvents and techniques, considering their effectiveness and potential impact on the aluminum surface.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of using solvents like chloroform or formic acid to remove the UV-coating without damaging the aluminum.
  • Another participant suggests that the coating is likely a highly crosslinked epoxy, resistant to dilute acids, and expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of formic acid without also harming the aluminum.
  • A different participant reports that acetone was ineffective in removing the coating based on personal experience.
  • One suggestion involves using a solution of strong liquid soap mixed with toluene, acetone, and ethanol, although the effectiveness on aluminum is uncertain.
  • A participant shares success in using a strong paint remover based on formic acid, noting that it effectively removed the coating and left a shiny aluminum surface.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the specific rust remover used, indicating interest in the product's formulation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the effectiveness of various solvents, with some reporting success with formic acid-based products while others remain skeptical about their safety and efficacy on aluminum. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best method for removing the coating.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the chemical resistance of the coating and the potential effects of different solvents on aluminum. The effectiveness of suggested methods remains unresolved.

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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