Best Way to Remove Paint from Metal

You have been looking at that faded metal chair on your deck for a few weeks now and finally decided it’s time to either paint it or replace it. You’re leaning towards painting it, but aren’t confident about the best way to get it done. One of the biggest questions you’re probably asking yourself is, “How do I remove paint from metal?”  

This is a common question, and luckily, we have some answers that should give you the confidence needed to take on this DIY project. We’ll walk you through a few of the best ways to remove paint from metal, including tips on which tools and supplies you will need. 

Removing Paint from Metal 
There are several ways to remove paint from metal, so let’s look at a few of the more common options and the best way to use them. 

How to Remove Paint from Metal with Baking Soda  

Baking soda is a cleaning agent that is commonly used throughout many homes. What you may not have known is it can also be used to remove paint from metal.  

To remove paint from smaller metal items, combine water with baking soda in a 16:1 ratio (1 qt water with ¼ cup of baking soda). Bring the solution to a gentle boil and place your metal item in the solution for 15 minutes. (If your metal item is too large to boil, there are other options to consider).  

Once the item has been submerged for at least 15 minutes, remove it. You should be able to remove any remaining paint relatively easily. Using a common household cleaner like baking soda to remove paint from metal may raise the question, will vinegar remove paint from metal? Yes, it will. In fact, you can substitute vinegar for baking soda and achieve similar results.