What is the best way, and best product to use when removing old paint? There is one layer of paint over original paint that I want to remove. What should I do?

I've heard of oven cleaner, CLR, and all sorts of stuff, I'd like something that won't remove and if possible, won't damage the original paint.

Thanks!

Is the top layer just flaking off? The reason I ask, is that you could lightly remove the paint with a plastic puddy knife. If not, then you will end up ruining the paint underneath. So basically if it was a cheap paint job where the person did not do any scuffing, priming (to give the base a bite), or even washed it before the paint went down, it should come off like taking old tint off; long and laborious.

Easy-off oven cleaner might go through all the layers of paint!! It's going to be almost if not impossible to get only one layer of paint off without hurting the other. Unless it's not stuck at all and you can carefully scrape(like already mentioned), apply tape and pull it off, or an air blower.

What about carefully sanding down the top layer of paint...?

There really isn't any way to sand consistant enough to take only one layer of paint off. You'll bust through the original paint too. Talked to my paint supply, they said that the product below might work. Try a small area first. It's for plastic bumpers, and it's a mild paint stripper.

http://www.sem.ws/product.php?product_id=147

If you want I'll find out the price, and I'll get a can or two for you.

Thanks for the tips Eric. Here's a link to what i'm in for.

http://picasaweb.google.com/artisticsig ... 6065582738

Looks like someone painted a 'mural' over original paint. I'd like to get rid of the artwork and go back to original paint. We'll see. I pick up the ol' girl tomorrow.

That's real purdy, now why would you want to remove that? You can enter it in the Art Car parade

Exactly. Watching a VW in the art car parade is like watching a trained monkey in the circus. You really want to set him free, but it's just not possible.

all you will ever need

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewto ... ving+paint

After the paint is removed via chemicals or sanding ... What would be the best primer to use until you can get it to a professional paint shop? Also sanding the primer , what is the best grade and practice... ???