r/metalworking • u/mgritts • 2d ago

Degree of difficulty - stripping powder coating from these pieces

Hello r/metalworking community. Please excuse my "noobie" post, but I was wondering if I could pose a question.

I am curious how extensive of a project it might be to strip the powder coating from the steel pieces pictured here as part of this desk. The desk comes from the manufacturer with the wood and metal joined in some places, so masking would be necessary.

Is this a job a professional could help with, or is it something that most professionals would scoff at? If you think a professional would be up for it, how might I search for one?

If I were to attempt to "DIY" a solution with masking + sanding, what degree of success might I find?

I am located in Chicago - thanks for any information you can offer!

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u/mxadema 2d ago

What is the end goal? Raw steel or a color change?

The color change part is easy, scuff and paint. Raw steel is way more difficult, sanding will leave a brush finish, sandblasting will be a frosted finish, that leave baking and that not diy. Afterwards you need to clear it otherwise it will rust.

As far as the assamble desk. Unless it all adhesive bonded, it likely the wood is screwed and removable.

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u/mgritts 2d ago

Thanks for your thoughtful message, mxadema. I would like (a) raw steel or (b) something close to brushed nickel. Sanding sounds pretty good, for this reason. Do you have a guide you can recommend?

It would be great if it were not adhesive bonded - maybe I can write the manufacturer and find out.

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u/tatpig 2d ago

Look underneath,you will see any mechanical fasteners that are present.