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evelitalian · 03-03-2008, 08:13 AM

YouTube - Washing off the clear coat on my Airstream.

If anyone knows what he is using,give me a shout

RUSSELL · 03-03-2008, 08:54 AM

What,what is he using?

Russell.

rgesch · 03-03-2008, 09:23 AM

I don't know what he is using, but it looks like RemoveAll: Vintage Trailer Supply - Vintage travel trailer parts and supplies!

I've used a few different types and this worked best, just like that video...

CharlieE · 03-03-2008, 09:38 AM

I've completely striped a 34" with the RemoveAll. Bought it from Vintage Trailer Supply on the net. It's a great product. You can brush it on, it's almost pasty, sort of loose jelly. It doesn't run if you are carefull. Keep it off of plastics. It can remain on for several hours. Don't brush it out too thin, be liberal. If you do the thin spots may dry out before you rinse it off. You may have to repeat once or twice for misses or spots that dried too quick. I used a net covered plastic sponge to "scrape" stubborn spots. Majority will hose off. The net covered sponge will last one or two uses before the product disolves the sponge. I used a little over two gallons. It's non toxic, won't kill grass. A great product. Charlie

evelitalian · 03-03-2008, 10:46 AM

has anyone had good results from citristrip?

InsideOut · 03-03-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evelitalian

has anyone had good results from citristrip?

I used the Citristrip to get rid of all the paint on the interior of our '56...I loved it! Smells like an orange popsicle whereas the Removall smells like ant spray. Not as big of a deal outside as inside the trailer - but much nicer smell. Both products worked equally as well IMO.

Our '56 doesn't have clearcoat, but on our '64 we used the Aircraft Stripper which worked very well on the clearcoat - but it's nasty stuff if it gets on your skin. I didn't know about Citristrip then, if I did, I would have used it. Also used Citristrip on the wood cabinets in our '56.

Shari

NWOverlander · 03-03-2008, 11:18 AM

I am using a product called AutoStrip available at Walmart.

It pulls the clearcoat right off. I just let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse with the garden hose. Using a long handled scrub brush to assist removal in the stubborn areas.

Wear rubber gloves and eye protection. You don't want this stuff on your skin for long. Rinse immediately if you do.

It works just like that video so that may be what he is using. If you do it the way he did, it will splash on you, your skin, eyes, etc. Use protection!

Inland RV Center, In · 03-03-2008, 12:15 PM

Using a "scrub" brush to remove the stripped clearcoat, will most certainly scratch the bare aluminum.

We use soft rags, like "T" shirt material.

Andy

eubank · 03-03-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

I used the Citristrip to get rid of all the paint on the interior of our '56...I loved it! ... Shari

I'm planning on using Citristrip, too, but it is a little more difficult to find in the boonies of New Mexico. However, there's a hardware store on Ebay that seems to stock it consistently. Just do a search for "Citristrip."

Lynn

InsideOut · 03-03-2008, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eubank

I'm planning on using Citristrip, too, but it is a little more difficult to find in the boonies of New Mexico. However, there's a hardware store on Ebay that seems to stock it consistently. Just do a search for "Citristrip."

Lynn

Per their website...CitriStrip is available at Wal-Mart, Lowes & Home Depot. I've also found it at the Woodworkers Store, Rockler and online just about everywhere - including Amazon.com who offers free shipping with purchases over $25.

Shari

NWOverlander · 03-03-2008, 01:10 PM

Thanks for the tip Andy. Will change to cloth. I wasn't persay scrubbing, just knocking the 'stripped material loose' with a soft bristled brush. The AutoStrip does 99% of the work.

The stuff works like a champ. No problems so far.

eubank · 03-03-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

Per their website...CitriStrip is available at Wal-Mart, Lowes & Home Depot. I've also found it at the Woodworkers Store, Rockler and online just about everywhere - including Amazon.com who offers free shipping with purchases over $25.

Shari

Yup, that's what I found, too. Apparently they mean SuperWalmarts, the nearest of which is nearly a hundred miles from here (along with Lowe's) in Espanola. I will check Amazon; the shipping alone ain't tooo cheap elsewhere.

Life in the boonies has its advantages -- and a whole string of disadvantages!

Lynn

HiHoAgRV · 03-03-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evelitalian

has anyone had good results from citristrip?

I used Citri Strip on my front endcap and had results similar to the video. My trailer was re-coated sometime in the last 30 years though.

Lothlorian · 03-03-2008, 03:24 PM

I just don't understand what the clear coat is for? What is the point of stripping it off? Do you have to put new clear coat back on?

SIU Bound

Brian

InsideOut · 03-03-2008, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIU Bound

I just don't understand what the clear coat is for? What is the point of stripping it off? Do you have to put new clear coat back on?

SIU Bound

Brian

Clearcoat was originaly applied to the aluminum to protect it from oxidizing. Over time (how long varies based on it's environment), it fails and becomes a chalky white and peels or wears off, which a lot of people think looks ratty. At that point you have several options:

1) Live with it like it is
2) Strip off the clear coat and live with the end result...which can be splotchy
3) Strip it, polish it then let it reoxidize evenly
4) Strip it, polish it then reclearcoat it
5) Strip it, polish it, maintain the polish
6) Strip it and paint it

Shari

HiHoAgRV · 03-03-2008, 06:09 PM

Or option #7- Strip it and keep it waxed...

jlester · 03-03-2008, 08:28 PM

I am getting ready to paint the inside of my 1962 globetrotter. The inside is old zolatone. Does anyone know if the Citistrip will work to prepare the inside for painting?

InsideOut · 03-03-2008, 10:39 PM

If the old Zolatone is intact (not flaking) just clean the surface with something like TSP, rinse well then prime and paint. No need to strip the Zolatone - the paint will stick much better to it than bare metal.

Shari

evelitalian · 03-15-2008, 10:37 AM

No luck with the citristrip?tried it for 1 hour,2-4 hours and then overnite.applied it to and around a really shiney spot where the clearcoat had flaked off,with no luck at all.i guess i will try the aircraft stripper.

utee94 · 03-15-2008, 10:49 AM

I think I'd probably try the RemoveAll before I tried aircraft stripper. I've never used RemoveAll, but many folks around here seem to swear by it.

I have used the aircraft stripper, and it's really nasty stuff.

Andy-- can you tell us what you normally use in your shop?