How do you remove the printed ink label from a used paint tin?

Paula
by Paula

I want to upcycle some extra large paint tins into either flower pots or candle holders and want to strip the can back to the metal without scratching it by sanding. Does anyone have any ideas on how to remove the printed ink? Any suggestions gratefully received! Thank you!

  3 answers
  • Gabrielle Falk Gabrielle Falk on Sep 02, 2019

    Do you mean the actual label on the tin? Has the printed ink gone through to the actual tin? I remove labels etc., just by soaking in hot soapy water. Also eucalyptus oil rubbed on to the label. If any paper remains, again, soak in hot soapy water.

    • Paula Paula on Sep 02, 2019

      Hi - thanks for your reply. The tins I have don't have paper labels - the ink is actually printed onto the metal itself (like a coke can) I read somewhere that nail polish remover would do it but I've had no luck with that. Another suggestion was using a pressure cooker which would release the ink but the cans I have are way too big to fit in one!

  • Gabrielle Falk Gabrielle Falk on Sep 02, 2019

    Oh my goodness. I would never even suggest putting tins, or anything other than food, in a pressure cooker. The total idea - of tin/cans in a pressure cooker/slow cooker - IS SO scary - and how anyone, in their right mind could even suggest that. I think that the web-site of 'hometalk' need TO TOTALLY HAVE A DUTY OF CARE. Re. Unsafe practices.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Sep 02, 2019

    Hello, using a magic eraser and some lighter fluid has worked for me