Cleaning parts

[redfishtony]

What is the best product y'all have found to clean grease and oil off metal parts after wire brushing, prior to painting. I'm in the process of rebuilding my front end and want to make sure all the grease and grime is gone before painting it. Also on transfer cases, trans housings and other big stuff whats the best product? Good paint or POR15. Thanks as always, TW

 

[jedblake]

Degreaser works but it stinks. Recently had great luck with brillo pads from the dollar store.
I brush the parts clean with acetone prior to paint.

 

[bronkenn]

I have always used the POR cleaner(marine clean). Works very well cutting the grease and prepping it for paint. Also highly recommend POR15 for painting chassis parts. Tough stuff.

 

[Cortez]

Brakleen brake cleaner is amazing, also Super Clean in a purple bottle.

 

[blubuckaroo]

I use a pressure washer with soap. Because that's what I have.
A steam cleaner would be best. Not a hot water washer, but a real steam cleaner.

 

[bulletpruf]

Brakleen brake cleaner is amazing, also Super Clean in a purple bottle.

After trying just about everything out there, I like a parts washer filled with mineral spirits. When I'm not using that, I use Simple Green. If Simple Green doesn't get everything, I go with chlorinated brake cleaner. I also keep a plastic spray bottle filled with acetone handy; use that prior to paint.

 

[redfishtony]

So after de-greasing I should still wipe everything down with acetone? Seems that the wire wheel on the grinder gets it right down to clean metal but I know there is some oil residue left behind. Would acetone remove the oil by itself. Thanks for the info. TW

 

[Fastwest]

Oven cleaner...

 

[crab]

So after de-greasing I should still wipe everything down with acetone? Seems that the wire wheel on the grinder gets it right down to clean metal but I know there is some oil residue left behind. Would acetone remove the oil by itself. Thanks for the info. TW

Always wipe with a high alcohol content cleaner or brakekleen before paint. I like 3m adhesive remover.

 

[ransil]

oven cleaner from the dollar store for big greasy stuff.

 

[sanndmann3]

Really big greasy stuff goes to the do it yourself car wash. Smaller stuff goes into harbor freight parts washer filled with mineral based solvent

 

[The Far Side]

Oven cleaner or brake cleaner first. Next would hit it with toluene or mixed xylene (depending on how anal you are with your degreasing) because acetone really is a final cleaner.

 

[welndmn]

Oven cleaner...

oven cleaner from the dollar store for big greasy stuff.

Me too, cheap oven cleaner takes off all the nasty stuff, then you can just use a normal cleaner to get the small stuff and residue off it.

 

[redfishtony]

Sounds like oven cleaner for the first run then follow up with purple power then acetone. Thanks everyone for the tips. TW

 

[SteveL]

I usually use brake cleaner. Sometimes I actually dig for the degreaser.

 

[tirewater]

I don't think there is a best product, just make sure it's clean without residue.

Like everyone else, I've used most products. Here are some not listed:

Duplicolor Prep Grease & Wax Remover - unbelievably smellly
Krud Kutter - I was amazed that it works so well

In the end, it's elbow grease, towels and a plastic scraper.

What is the best product y'all have found to clean grease and oil off metal parts after wire brushing, prior to painting. I'm in the process of rebuilding my front end and want to make sure all the grease and grime is gone before painting it. Also on transfer cases, trans housings and other big stuff whats the best product? Good paint or POR15. Thanks as always, TW

 

[SteveL]

Brake cleaner works good on the hands too but they probably don't recommend it.

 

[jray]

Oven cleaner followed by brake cleaner in grimy jobs, brake cleaner alone on not so dirty parts prior to painting.

 

[68ford]

Diesel, works better than any degreaser, does not hurt rubber or paint. Half the price of degreaser. Spray off with brake clean when done.

 

[elan]

STOP............if you decide to go with Por-15, use only their solvent and paper towels to wipe down everything to painted. Keep cleaning until you see no residue on the paper towels. Keep using clean towels to get the best results. I use Por-15 solvent before I use any spray paint from cans as well. It does not leave a film, dries almost instantly.
I sold their products for ten years. And continue using for the last 20.
If you want to know how to keep Por-15 paint fresh for "years" just ask.....I know the secret even the factory doesn't let folks know. Or, I can start a new thread on the subject. Simple, easy and requires two screws