Ceramic Coating Removal

Ceramic Coatings

• Ceramic coatings are acrylic latex coatings embedded with tiny hollow ceramic spheres, or microparticles. A ceramic coating is normally applied with a brush, roller or airless sprayer. The hollow ceramic particles compress firmly throughout the paint's surface as it dries. Ceramic coatings are usually more stain resistant than latex housepaints because dirt and grease are unable to penetrate the paint's surface. Interior and exterior ceramic coatings are used in place of conventional paints.

NMP-Based Paint Strippers

• To remove a ceramic coating, you must use a stripper based on N-methyl pyrrolidone. These differ dramatically from other stripping chemicals that dissolve paint on contact. An NMP-based stripper, available in gel and paste form, is much slower acting, but that doesn't mean it is less powerful. Its slow working speed gives it enough time to soak deeply into a coating, thoroughly soften it and make even thick, durable coatings easy to scrape off with little effort. When using any NMP-based stripper, work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gloves and safety glasses.

Applying NMP-Based Stripper

• Using a brush, apply the NMP-based stripper generously to the painted surface. The stripper will usually require three to four hours to soften the coating. It may need even more time if it is applied to several layers of ceramic coating, or if it is used in cold temperatures. You may observe the paint's surface wrinkle beneath the stripper as it works. While some NMP-based strippers change color when the stripping process has finished, you can test that the chemical action is complete for ordinary NMP-based strippers by gently scraping the surface with a putty knife. If the paint lifts off easily, you can begin scraping it off. If not, smooth the stripping gel or paste back in place and try again in an hour or two.

Removing NMP-Based Stripper

• NMP evaporates slowly and residue can linger on the surface for up to two weeks. If it's not cleaned away, it will prevent a fresh coat of paint or varnish from adhering properly. Many manufacturers of NMP strippers offer a final rinsing solution that neutralizes the stripper's chemical action. If you don't have rinsing solution, wipe the surface down well with tri-sodium phosphate, or a TSP substitute. TSP is a better choice than soap or detergent because it is not greasy and it penetrates thoroughly without sudsing.