How to Remove Epoxy From Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a durable and long-lasting material that does not need to be treated with chemicals to maintain its beauty. However, it has one significant weakness: epoxy. Epoxy can ruin the look of stainless steel within just a few hours, and you will have no way of removing the damage once it sets in.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to remove epoxy from stainless steel, as well as other tips for maintaining your stainless steel appliances over time. For example, before they harden into an irreversible stain,
clean up spills as soon as possible by blotting with a dry cloth or paper towel instead of using a solvent that might scratch the stainless steel; and use a mild cleanser and warm water to remove stubborn stains. Read on to know more!
10 Items You Can Use on How to Remove Epoxy From Stainless Steel:
1. Applying Lemon Juice
To remove epoxy from stainless steel, apply lemon juice to the affected area and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, use a scrub brush to scrub off the dried citrus rinds. Rinse with clean water and dry. Rubbing alcohol can also be used in place of lemon juice to cut through the epoxide layer.
2. Applying vinegar
Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spray it on the epoxy to eat away at the dried adhesive’s surface. Rubbing alcohol can also be used in place of vinegar to cut through the epoxide layer.
3. Using acetone
Remove epoxy using acetone by rubbing it onto the affected area. Use a paper towel to remove the acetone. Ensure that all traces of acetone are removed, or it may damage the stainless steel’s finish.
4. Using Mineral Oil
Soak an abrasive pad with mineral oil and rub it on the epoxy residue. Wipe with a clean cloth and then buff the stainless steel surface to restore its shine. Apply mineral oil regularly until all of the epoxy residues are gone.
5. Using WD-40
Apply WD-40 or any other non-abrasive lubricants like 3 in 1 (lubricant, cleaner and protectant) on the epoxy residue. Wait for about 30 minutes, then use a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up any remaining lubricants.
6. Using Lysol Disinfectant Spray
Use Lysol disinfectant spray on the epoxy residue. Scrub lightly using a soft-bristled brush, then wipe clean with clean water to remove the cleanser. Buff gently using a dry cloth or paper towel to dry the stainless steel surface.
7. Using Asphalt Off Graffiti Remover
Remove epoxy residues from stainless steel using asphalt off graffiti remover by soaking a soft cloth and then rubbing the affected area until clean. Make sure that you do not leave any traces of this harsh chemical on the surface because it will damage the finish of your stainless steel.
8. Using Super Lube Spray
Use super lube spray on the epoxy residue. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then use a clean cloth to wipe off the excess lubricants. Buff gently using a dry cloth or paper towel, then rinse with clean water to remove any traces of cleansers that may be left behind.
9. Using Abrasive Sponges
Use an abrasive sponge on the epoxy residue of stainless steel. When you scrub it with this type of material, the dried epoxy will dissolve, and its particles will be caught between the bristles. Ensure that you clean off these particles before they dry up, or they may cause scratches on your stainless steel’s finish.
10. Using Isopropyl Alcohol
Clean away epoxy using isopropyl alcohol by spraying the affected area then scrubbing it with a paper towel or cloth. Ensure that you do not rub too hard because this may lead to scratches on the stainless steel’s surface.
Materials Needed:
- Stainless Steel Scraper (Xacto knife)
- Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl)
- Klein-Strip Paint and Varnish Remover
- Sponge Water
- Disposable Gloves
- Paper Towel
Step by Step Guide: How to Remove Epoxy From Stainless Steel
Step 1: Use a Knife to Scrape Off the Epoxy
Using a sharp and clean knife, begin to scrape off the epoxy from the stainless steel. Be careful not to scratch or damage the surface of your stainless steel item, although minor scratches may occur as you carefully remove the epoxy. When removing large amounts of epoxy, use a wire brush and a knife for faster results.
Step 2: Soak the Epoxy in Lighter Fluid
Soak the epoxy with lighter fluid for ten to fifteen minutes. This will make it easier to scrape off and soften it to remove the remaining epoxy residue afterward. After soaking, scrub and scrape until most epoxy is removed or softened enough that a cloth can effectively remove it.
Step 3: Scrape Off the Final Residue
Use a cloth, such as a nail buffer or fine steel wool, and scrape off any remaining residue or sticky epoxy. If none is present, continue to wipe with clean water and dry thoroughly. Repeat this process to ensure that all the remaining epoxy has been removed from your stainless steel item.
Step 4: Clean with Aluminium Foil
Clean your stainless steel item, whether washed or not, by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil. Then, place it back into the oven set at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. This will ensure that any remaining epoxy residue is removed from your stainless steel item and prevent further problems with the unwanted bonding of epoxy to the item.
Step 5: Use Goo Gone or Rubbing Alcohol
Use either Goo Gone or rubbing alcohol to clean off any remaining sticky epoxy residue. Neither product will damage your stainless steel, so use whichever you have on hand more readily. Apply either product generously to a paper towel and rub thoroughly over the area where the epoxy used to be, being careful not to damage your stainless steel.
Step 6: Clean with WD-40
Use WD-40 to remove any excess oil or sticky residue remaining on your stainless steel item. The spray is frequently used for cleaning and may be available in a multi-purpose container at your local hardware store. Spray generously over the area where epoxy was previously, then wipe with a clean cloth until all that remains is shiny stainless steel.
Step 7: Rub the Surface with Cooking Oil
Rub a thin layer of cooking oil onto your stainless steel item. This will help prevent further epoxy from bonding to the surface and reapplying after cleaning if already present. Stainless steel is naturally resistant to most stains, but it is not impervious to all. Avoid using excess oil, as this will attract dirt and grease that may be difficult to remove.
Some Tips and Suggestions:
1. If you are using acetone on plastic, make sure you are very careful with it because it can melt the plastic.
2. Make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area when doing the procedure because the fumes from the chemicals are powerful and can make you sick if you breathe them in for too long.
3. Use gloves while working with all of these chemicals to protect your hands, especially when using acetone or turpentine.
4. Removing the epoxy from a flat surface is much easier than removing it from a curved surface, so try to use this method if you can.
5. Make sure that your rubber gloves completely cover your hands and wrists’ skin because these chemicals will seep through latex and cause some rashes on your skin.
6. If you are not sure how to use any of these chemicals, make sure to research them before using them to ensure that you are doing it safely.
7. Have a clean work area and make sure that everything is laid out properly to not mix up the chemicals for this procedure or your work.
How Do You Remove Hardened Epoxy?
Have you ever spilled epoxy on something valuable? Have no fear, and there is a solution to removing hardened epoxy. There are many different types of epoxies, and some are easier to remove than others. However, the process of removing the epoxy stays relatively similar for most applications.
The first step would be to try and cut off as much of the hardened epoxy as possible. Then, using a razor blade (carefully), pry away as much as you can and throw it in the trash. This will make your job infinitely more accessible. After removing what you can, use WD-40 or lacquer thinner to try and dissolve some of the epoxies that remain on the surface. Finally, coat the area with a generous amount of the solvents and try scraping it off again.
Conclusion:
Epoxy removal from stainless steel is a big concern for many homeowners. To properly remove epoxy, you need the right tools and materials. If your epoxy has been curing in place for more than two days, or it’s thicker than a quarter-inch thick, then you’re going to want a razor blade scraper along with an acetone-based cleanser.
You can obtain a faster removal rate if you use a lint-free cloth and acetone, but removing the adhesive residue can also be more difficult. Nevertheless, we hope this blog post on how to remove epoxy from stainless steel has been helpful. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
