The shift from cold stripping to hot stripping for removing powder coating and paint from alloy wheels has left many businesses facing unexpected challenges. But why? The answer is simpler than you think!
Throw your wheels in
Take them out a short time later
Scoop out the paint flakes
Top up the chemical when needed
Maintenance & monitoring are key – without them, performance suffers
Checking and balancing water-to-chemical ratios
Sending samples for testing
Quarterly tank filtering and sludge removal
One of the biggest challenges when switching to hot stripping is expectation levels. Many businesses are used to the speed of cold stripping, but while the process itself remains the same, the chemical formulations work at different speeds.
Cold strip products like our Stripper HF work very fast, but they contain highly hazardous chemicals, requiring strict HSE compliance to keep staff safe. Hot strip solutions like Ribstrip 17, while still hazardous, are far safer to use as they do not contain DCM (dichloromethane), reducing the associated risks.
With Ribstrip 17, stripping times typically average 4 hours, with some wheels stripping in as little as 2 hours, while others with tougher coatings may need longer. It’s about adjusting expectations—hot stripping takes longer, but it offers a safer working environment while still delivering effective results.
At Ribble Technology Ltd, we know that both cold and hot stripping have their place in the market, and the right choice depends on your setup and compliance requirements. That’s why we provide full support to customers making the transition to hot strip, including monthly sample testing to ensure your tank is performing at its best. Regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial to keep your hot strip system running effectively, and we’re here to help you get it right.
We’ve been through this process ourselves. After decades of using Stripper HF, we moved to Ribstrip 17 three years ago—and we’ve never looked back. Running our own products in-house has given us real-world insights that set us apart as the only chemical manufacturer using its own solutions in a live setting.
If you’re struggling with the transition or unsure which method is best for your business, we’re here to help. Get in touch today to find the right solution for you!
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