Cleaning paint kettles

[Poignard]

I read somewhere that steel paint kettles should be cleaned by filling them with wood shavings and setting fire to them. I tried this once only; the resulting blaze and smoke were impressive but not likely to meet with the approval of the Green Polizei nowadays, and the result was a blackened mess!

Does anyone know an acceptable and efficient way of cleaning both steel and plastic paint kettles of dried paint and paint that is still soft?

 

[Talbot]

Any chemical procedure is likely to be as expensive as purchasing a new one.

BTW dont try burning out the old paint with a plastic paint kettle!

 

[alienzdive]

Throw the metal ones away and buy plastic ones, they are mush cheaper. Throw away after use.

I heard the same thing and tried it myself. Never worked for me and the resultant mess put me off trying again too.