TheSamba.com :: View topic - Restoring the factory paint with razor blades

Sun Jun 08, 2008 12:29 pm

Today, I started to "shave" the aftermarket paint on my 72 super using razor blades. My friend (Cuizable) helped me with another blade.

If you make a mistake, the original paint may be scratched, but after experiencing it, it's really easy to get larger paint particles at once. I think this method gives the minimum harm to the factory paint, but it took hours to do this:

I polished the original paint after stripping, and found that it's quite solid with minimal amount of chips. I'm really happy with the results, so I wanted to share.

Sun Jun 08, 2008 3:08 pm

Couldn't you get the same results with sanding without the worry of

gouging the paint with the razor?

Sun Jun 08, 2008 3:39 pm

I just thought that sanding will also damage the original paint. The original layer of paint is very thin and a small scratch will show you the original primer.

Sun Jun 08, 2008 5:55 pm

That sounds like a lot of work. Gotta admire it though.

Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:32 am

If the car was prepped properly for the repaint, the original paint is already scratched.

Mon Jun 09, 2008 10:43 am

Thanks Toddyvol for encouraging!

Yes, the paint is already scratched for preparation for the repaint. But, I guess the prep work was shallow, so the aftermarket paint looks crappy:

I plan to shoot a clear coat at the final step just to protect the paint chips from rust.

I discovered that if you do this under the sun, it's easier and faster.

Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:30 am

a pressure washer or air blower would prabably also work. It looks like your car wasnt sanded when it was painted. That why its coming off in sheets like that.

Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:00 am

Looking at the sanding marks before waxing, I found that the prep work has been made so quickly. Most of the surface has no prep work. Air gun may work on some areas, thanks.

Also some places have a thin layer of a grey primer between two coats of paint. I think that primer is applied for filling the paint chips. I plan to sand those places later.

Tue Jun 17, 2008 7:24 am

Your crazy but i give you props. That is labor intensive stuff.

Tue Jun 17, 2008 2:52 pm

72marinablue wrote: Your crazy but i give you props. That is labor intensive stuff.

Thanks. Still working on the car, will post pics later.

Wed Jun 18, 2008 9:20 pm

My wife had a Grand Am that had defective paint, GM painted it under warranty. When I went to see the progress, I noticed that they had peeled the topcoat off. I asked how they did it without damaging the primer, they said that they used tape. I don't remember what type of tape they said but you might try that. They also used razor blades to get the small bits that stayed on. Good luck

Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:31 pm

Good idea. Now I have to search for the kind of tape that works. Thanks Fibersport.

Sun Jun 22, 2008 5:38 am

are all the bolt on panels still original tho
would suck to do all that work to find out u have an odd colour panel

Sun Jun 22, 2008 5:01 pm

ever tried KleanStrip's Peeler spray?

http://www.handsontools.com/store-products-KLSEFS4..._8953.html

Tue Jun 24, 2008 1:21 pm

Buggin_74 wrote: are all the bolt on panels still original tho
would suck to do all that work to find out u have an odd colour panel

The car still has all of it's original bolt on panels, you can see original paint through chips on the repaint. However, most of the bolt on panels have dents and need to be repainted. If I can't find panels that are originally Kasan Red (most likely) I'll have the original panels painted. I know that they will not match perfectly, but I'll except an 80% OG paint.

The decklid, rear apron and two fenders must be repainted. But, it should be cool to have a beetle that has mostly original paint in good condition.

Or, maybe it's better to give up and have the whole car repainted :cry:

toddyvol wrote: ever tried KleanStrip's Peeler spray?

http://www.handsontools.com/store-products-KLSEFS4..._8953.html

I always thought that chemical striping is dangerous. But, a body guy told me that there are some aerosol sprays for this purpose. Maybe he told about this one. I'll have the car inspected by the guy, and most likely we'll give it a try. He also told me that they will repaint the dented panels matching the color with a low price. I know that the matching will not last much though.

The previous owner bought the car in 2000 from the first owner. If he was a little more careful driving, than this would be a perfect 100% original paint car after stripping. Now, I'll be happy to have it mostly original if I can. I'll do anything for my beetles and don't care the time and money wasted for them.

Wed Jun 25, 2008 1:37 pm

what is that color called?
(the one being shaved off)

Wed Jun 25, 2008 4:06 pm

Not a standard VW color. There is a sticker on the right side A pillar that reads "Pomegranate Flowers" in Turkish. And there is a color code. Did you like the color? I can post you some samples if you like.

Sun Jun 29, 2008 1:35 pm

yes I would like that

is this a turkish bug?

I used to live there

Sun Jun 29, 2008 2:03 pm

Yes, it is. The second owner said that it was purchased in Germany and imported to Turkey by the first owner in 1972. Also, the beetles sold here are just the same as they are in Germany (Euro spec).

Mon Jun 30, 2008 11:33 am

I too shaved off two paint jobs off my bug with a razor blade. :shock: A body man in vegas told me about this method and i thought he was crazy. tried it and it is increadibly easy and mess free. Did it a panel at a time in my spare time. 8) Unfortunately, my paint was not salvageable as it was way faded, oxidized and scratched up for adheshion of second paint job and revealed some filler in areas. :(
On the brite side, I now exactly where there was filler put in etc and I now have a solid basis to work from on preping for my next paint job.. Give it a try, it's pretty easy.... Strip down to original paint faily quick, and like i said, with minimal mess. Done for the day? All you need for cleanup is a broom and dust pan. Just my two cents worth...