Preparing bike for rattle can paint job

Hey everyone!
Now I'm nearly done on assembling all my parts and having the bike work. I want to give it a DIY silver rattle can paint job. Now the paint isn't the hard part. I've figured out how to so that. The point is how do you get all the paint of your bike frame before painting it again? I've seen allot of YouTube videos that say you have to use paint stripper and then sand it down. But which sanding paper do I use. Can I also use mechanical sanding machines? I can imagine that would take allot less time. Help and maybe pictures please?

A propane torch and a wire brush works great. Just heat up a bit offthe frame and when the paint starts to lift or bubble you simply brush it of..

For a DIY job you don't need to take all the original paint off, just local prep. on rust, scratches and chips and key the whole lot before priming. If you're removing someone else's handywork, then maybe, depending on the type of paint they used. An isolater coat primer can work in this case, to prevent dissimilar paints reacting badly.

Screwfix do a brilliant zinc spray primer for less than a fiver. One can does the job.

If you do want to strip all the paint, use any means you prefer- usually works out as a combination of methods. It's the nooks and crannies that take time, whatever.
Or get it caustic dipped, if it's steel.

^ +1

Unless there's a really good reason to stripping paint off a frame is a hassle. Spend the time on prepping and spraying carefully.

It might sound obvious but another top tip is to give a scruffy frame a proper degrease, clean, T-Cut and wax, touching up where required.

It may look nice. Patina beats many DIY spray jobs.

Don't use a sanding machine of any kind.

I do 400 grit paper, then prime, then 800 grit, then colour, then 1200 grit, then lacquer.

Or if I'm feeling lazy I put the lacquer straight on the colour while the colour is still a bit tacky.

Angle grinder fitted with a wire brush, assuming a frame without components. Works for old motorbike frames...

What are the odds on going through a 0.4mm frame tube with a grinder and wire disk?

Genuine Q- I don't know if it is a risk or not.

^^ Really low.
The heaviest 'thick twist' cup brush on a grinder doesn't remove any metal, used correctly.
If one were hell bent on destruction, then yes.

(N' anyway, that method flings shit everywhere, the worst case being detached bits of brush wire into your eyes).

I used twist knot wire brush mounted on a grinder when I did my Raleigh, gets paint and rust off no problem but you need something smaller in the frames angles, drill mounted small wire brush was what I used. You will achieve a better finish if you go to bare metal as it provides a more uniform surface to start on.
(Wear goggles if you value your eyes though)

What are the odds on going through a 0.4mm frame tube with a grinder and wire disk?

Genuine Q- I don't know if it is a risk or not.

Care and patience are essential - a lack of either will lead to scoring the surface irrespective of thickness. I've done corroded petrol tanks and panels (which are admittedly not structural) and success will probably depend on how much of your 0.4mm is steel and how much is rust. For removing paint, I'd still give it a go before heating something that thin.

Thanks guys! Later when I painted it pictures will follow!