How do you remove paint from tin ceiling tiles?

[Michigan T]

Help! I need ideas for removing paint from antique tin ceiling tiles. We are renovating a 1920's cottage, and have taken the tiles down to strip the paint.

The first layer seems to be a latex paint and the second layer is lead-based. We want to strip them down, prime and repaint them a copper color.

[Big Bad Ben]

Paint thinner should do the job... But paint/varnish stripper will be easier...

I'd recommend using "nitromors" available here (or try your local hardware store):http://www.edirectory.co.uk/pf/880/mia/d/nitromors+paint+varnish+remover+500ml/pid/6353638

BE CAREFUL, wear thick rubber gloves (builders gloves - not dish gloves), and clothes you don't mind ruining (you probably are anyway if you're decorating right?)

Apply nitromors generously to the area you want to clean with a paint brush, make sure to AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN... Leave for 5/10 minutes (Till paint has blistered and started to flake off). Wipe clean and rinse.

[Artemis B]

Linseed oil or turpentine. Bless your heart. I'm glad to know someone else loves thoses tiles as much as I do. It's going to be a very messy tedious job, but well worth it. They don't make them like that anymore!

[The ReDesign Diva]

Well, the best and least expensive and least time costly way to do it is as follows:

Use oven cleaner. Apply a thin layer of the oven cleaner to the tin tiles and use a small putty knife to remove peeling and loosened pieces. Apply a second layer of the oven cleaner using a stiff bristled brush to get the oven cleaner into the cracks and crevices. Apply as many layers as you need. You'll be able to just wipe away the residu with a damp rag. However, you should wait about (but no more!) than 2 hours for the oven cleaner to work properly. Don't wait longer so it doesn't damage your tin tiles.

Protect the surface of the floor with a large sheet of plastic, since oven cleaner can harm your floors. It's also important to protect your eyes with protective goggles and your hands with rubber gloves.

Also, though it isn't part of your question, when you prime your tin tiles, make sure you use an oil-based primer to avoid having your tiles rust from water-based primer. You can then paint latex paint on top of the oil-based primer without a problem.

This is how I did my tin tiles and those of 3 clients.

Enjoy your new tin tiles... ;-)