Gasket removal and surface prep, what do YOU do?

[SFO]

I think that the intellegent life forms in drn land could share their gasket removal and surface prep techniques for my edification.
I am ready to learn some new tricks here and save some time.
I currently use a razor blade in conjunction with a snappy gasket scraper. After the chunks are off I use 180 sandpaper and scotch brite to create a plush fresh finish.
This is a timely process, is there a a better way?

 

[NO HAND]

I use brake cleaner and a scotch brite pad.

 

[Miltonyz]

Acetone on a shop rag.

 

[biglou]

I do what you do, SFO. Take it nice and slow. I start with a razor blade and finish up by wiping the contact surface with brake cleaner or some similar solvent and a clean, white rag until there is no evidence of anything 'cept a surgically clean mating surface.

 

[Jeff Allen]

For flat surfaces I like to use a palm sander. Just enough to clean the metal down without taking any metal away.

 

[jmics19067]

I use paint stripper to bubble up the really stuck gaskets,and I use a paint stick to scrape. then i use scothc brite pad to polish it up

 

[fatty_k]

I used a 400 grit emory (sp?) cloth to get it fairy clean then finished it up with some gas and a rag. Turned out nicely.