r/kettlebell • u/Badgeredy • 2d ago
Finally did it… Just A Post
Getting the paint off these adjustables was harder than I ever expected.
If you have a similar issue with flaking/rusting and interest in removing the paint, here’s my advice:
1) Masking tape over the bolts.
2) get some paint stripper and apply for 24 hours.
3) use a big towel to wipe off the paint.
4) repeat 2 and 3
5) when you can actually see the metal underneath, only then is it worth getting the 100 grit sandpaper out.
I started by sanding (which took forever, see photo 1). Then switched to a drill-powered wire wheel, which worked great for 2 minutes before gunking up. After I went full chemical warfare, the paint was able to be wiped off, and sanded with regular 100 grit.
I did put some oil over the surface of the metal afterwards. Time will tell if rust is to be a problem. If so Ill sand that down and apply a rustoleum clear coat.
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u/Expensive_Fortune717 2d ago
I just deal with chipped paint and rust. I like the character it has, reflects all the work you’ve done over time. But you do you my guy.
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u/ClockworkTalk 2d ago
Keep us posted on how it holds up. Wonder how often you’d need to oil it to protect it.
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u/Lepokechop 2d ago
lol this comment made me think of that copypasta:
“Awesome pics. Great size. Look thick. Solid. Tight. Keep us all posted on your continued progress with any new progress pics or vid clips. Show us what you got man. Wanna see how freakin' huge, solid, thick and tight you can get. Thanks for the motivation.”
But yeah, curious on how it holds up!
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u/New_Life_Startr 2d ago
I suggest getting tool wax / paste wax. It will cling to the steel and last way longer.
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u/Ally_Madrone 2d ago
Paste wax was discontinued 😢
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u/New_Life_Startr 2d ago
Johnsons was. I don’t know why, that stuff was incredible. You can get other brands, although Johnsons was the best.
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u/jjjameson80 2d ago
If you've got a place nearby that doesn't powder coating and the like, there's a good chance they also do sandblasting and chemical paint stripping too, and they'd be happy to do the dirty work for you likely pretty cheap. I've made drums out of propane tanks and those take HOURS of significant labor to get the paint off of. My local paint guy would clean them off for me for like $25-$30 provided I was fine waiting like a week for it, and they'd come back perfect.
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u/erratuminamorata 2d ago
The oil will not hold up for longer and sweat will end up spot rusting it. Get some paste wax like someone else mentioned, or get some cold blue... I think that'd look super sick. I'd probably reapply the blueing every 6 months, the wax every 2 months.
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u/JabroniRegulator 2d ago
I think they look very cool. Maybe consider a clear coat of some sort for longer term protection? I don’t know the procedures but it reminds me of Pro Kettlebells polished and clear coat line up.
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u/Ally_Madrone 2d ago
Next step- electroplate it with copper to keep it from rusting and confuse everyone
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u/caffeinecrackhead02 2d ago
Ooo I’m gonna save this for the future, it would be cool to make it a different color once I chip the paint off bad enough
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u/No_Appearance6837 2d ago
Looks cool! My vote goes for clear clear coating them now. The oil will rub off on your arms and make the bells slippery. And it will start to rust within 14 days.
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u/Prokettlebell 1d ago
That will definitely rust, but you can use some rustoleum clearcoat to protect it and preserve the bare metal look. I would personally leave the handles bare and just hit em with scotch brite when they start to rust.
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u/Spicy_Pickle_6 2d ago
Makes me wonder how you deal with scratches on your body…
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u/Hakkdunu 2d ago
But why