Removing gloss paint off the return pipe from boiler

[Kieran42]

Hi,

I am thinking of fitting a magnaclean filter on the boiler return pipe... but the pipe has at least two layers of gloss paint on it! (see attached pic).

I know this has been asked before but what is the easiest AND safest way you'd recommend to remove the paint?

I've seen Nitromor's suggested several times in threads, but the product seems to have lots of bad reviews online (from online retailers and youtube). I do have a heat gun but am worried about the soldered elbow joint close by (and maybe even the compression joint?)

I started of trying to scrape the paint off with a putty knife/scraper but was concerned about applying too much force and damaging the pipe!

Yous suggestions would be much appreciated.

PS: I know some of you aren't so keen on these filters, but they do no harm (unless they leak!) and do give some level of protection

 

[Kieran42]

...the return pipe is the pipe on the right of course.

 

[dilalio]

Back of a Stanley blade held at 90 degrees then an abrasive strip.
Heat gun would be easiest but messy and smelly. Apply the heat and then scrape. You won’t hurt the solder unless you go berserk. Are they 28mm pipes?

 

[Kieran42]

it's a 22mm pipe... I was inclined to use the heat gun but was worried about the solder in the elbow joint... I guess the cold water in the pipe would help some with that

 

[dilalio]

it's a 22mm pipe... I was inclined to use the heat gun but was worried about the solder in the elbow joint... I guess the cold water in the pipe would help some with that

Heat gun is not a propane torch I presume? It won’t get the joint anywhere near to running... especially with water in it, as you mention.

Just burn the paint off and scrape... not lead paint is it?

 

[Madrab]

Nothing wrong with mag filters IMO, on a perfect system then they are usually not needed but that's a rare find indeed. I would recommend a different filter though as the magnacleans can cause issues due to the materials they are made from, the lids jam, the couplings/fittings can also cause issue's.

To remove paint, stanley blade as D mentions, metal file, 80grit sandpaper, burn it off ... loads of ways to get it off.

Heat shouldn't be an issue if the pipe's still full of water, the copper wouldn't get hot enough to melt the solder but should burn the paint, then use a wet cloth to wipe it off, you wouldn't you be close enough if only cleaning half way up that pipe too.

 

[dilalio]

Get a TF1 Omega - about £87 from dumb centre for a kit with valves and injectable inhibitor.

https://www.wolseley.co.uk/product/-p608964-44/

 

[Kieran42]

It's not lead paint and just a normal heat gun ...so think I'll opt for that approach.

As for the filter, I think I spent about an hour or two online yesterday reading umpteen threads on the subject of which filter is best and was still unsure at the end of it!... some swear by the magnaclean, some by the tf1 and some by the spirotech!... I ended up opting for the Magnaclean as at least it can be used as a dosing device!... and the Mangaclean professional 2 has less leak issues than the older model (I think)

 

[gasbanni]

Use brake fluid the new nitromors is useless, I've heard the tool station pajnt stripper is good but I've not tried it. Use the paint stripper with wire wool and use a small, mirror to check the back of the pipe. Heat gun won't work as the water inside the pipe will absorb the heat so the paint won't get hot enough to strip off.

 

[Kieran42]

...fortunately no paint on the back of the pipe, only front and sides

 

[dilalio]

It's not lead paint and just a normal heat gun ...so think I'll opt for that approach.

As for the filter, I think I spent about an hour or two online yesterday reading umpteen threads on the subject of which filter is best and was still unsure at the end of it!... some swear by the magnaclean, some by the tf1 and some by the spirotech!... I ended up opting for the Magnaclean as at least it can be used as a dosing device!... and the Mangaclean professional 2 has less leak issues than the older model (I think)

Omega is better.
It is not plastic.
It is also the dosing point.
It can be oriented at any angle to allow for easier cleaning.
It doesn’t have to be opened for cleaning and uses system pressure and doesn’t involve carrying a pot of ****ty water to a sink/bucket.

Send it back and get an omega. Period!

 

[Kieran42]

@dilalio... had another quick look at the Fernox tf1 omega and the build quality does look way superior to the magnaclean, but what I also need to know is if it cleans way better (but that probably needs more research online!)

 

[Kieran42]

@dilalio... posted my last message before reading your last reply... tf1 looks like the better option by the sounds of it

 

[Kieran42]

@dilalio... not bought the Magnaclean yet... so not too late to consider another filter

 

[Razor900]

Paint stripper and brake fluid??

Pair of pump pliers set to just nip the paint but not crush the pipe twist back n forth half a dozen times then when the gloss has cracked off clean up with emery tape. 3 mins max!

'Kin ell some of you make hard work of things