Abstract: A process and apparatus for loosening adhesive from a drum and abrading labels, paint, and adhesive from the drum with high speed brushes. The drums are heated with an open flame to loosen the adhesive before the labels, paint, and adhesive are abraded from the drums with the brushes. A "soft-touch" pneumatic controller is connected to the brushes to maintain optimum contact of the brushes with the drum and to prevent premature wearing of the brushes. The drum is moved horizontally relative to the brushes during the brushing process to prevent stripes of paint being left on the drum by the brushes.