What's the best way to remove paint from stock Thinkpad coolers?

[cultOfThinkpad]

I'm looking to solder or stick new heatpipes onto my stock laptop cooler (T440p, if you must know)
and am convinced I need to remove any paint from affected areas where I will be sticking them first.

Of course, I need to know what the best method of doing that without damaging the metal is.
So far, I found an article that says you can do it with olive oil to soften the paint then scrape it off
https://pgpaintanddesign.com/how-to/how ... ove-paint/.

Also I was told I can do the same thing with very fine sandpaper (which I read aluminum oxide is the best for dealing
with metal).

Any thoughts anyone?
Thanks.

[RealBlackStuff]

I would rather replace whatever CPU you have with a lower-wattage i7-4702MQ or i7-4712MQ.
The dGPU fan is more than enough for either one.
(That's what I have).