Removing beverage can UV-coating?

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The discussion centers on methods for removing UV-coating from beverage cans to obtain aluminum sheets for modeling purposes. Sanding is ruled out due to potential damage to the aluminum. Participants suggest using solvents, with chloroform and formic acid mentioned as possible options. However, concerns are raised about formic acid's potential to attack aluminum. A participant shares success using a strong paint remover based on formic acid, which effectively removed the coating without damaging the aluminum surface. They recommend applying the remover, letting it sit for 20 minutes, and then scrubbing with a plastic brush or steel wool for optimal results. The conversation highlights the effectiveness of specific solvents and techniques for achieving a clean aluminum finish.
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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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