Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-01-2017, 10:07 PM   #1
3 Rivet Member
 
1972 25' Tradewind
Los angeles , California
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 112
Clear coat remover

I have found some old posts regarding clear coat removers however too many information and I am not sure which one to go with. I couls not find 1 gallon of Aerospace PR-5044, they sell only 5 gallons on vintageairstreamsupply, any suggestions? I want to go with good quality porduct.

Appreciate your answers..
Aras
Spookies is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2017, 08:04 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
Belegedhel's Avatar
 
1973 21' Globetrotter
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,314
First question is what year and model do you have? And,what is the condition of the clear coat you are stripping?

Generic answer to your question is that you can get Citrus-strip gel from your big-box hardware store, and it will do the job just fine. You can alsousually buy the "Aircraft stripper" at most autoparts stores, especially Pep Boys.

good luck!
Belegedhel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2017, 08:46 AM   #3
3 Rivet Member
 
1972 25' Tradewind
Los angeles , California
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 112
Quote:
Originally Posted by Belegedhel View Post
First question is what year and model do you have? And,what is the condition of the clear coat you are stripping?

Generic answer to your question is that you can get Citrus-strip gel from your big-box hardware store, and it will do the job just fine. You can alsousually buy the "Aircraft stripper" at most autoparts stores, especially Pep Boys.

good luck!
Hello,

It is 72 25ft Tradewind. Clear coat is over the trailer probably 70%. Exterior skin condition is good I can say. I attached a picture so you can see. Thank you! Click image for larger version

Name:	20170528_175802.jpg
Views:	373
Size:	44.7 KB
ID:	286723
Spookies is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2017, 09:42 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
Belegedhel's Avatar
 
1973 21' Globetrotter
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,314
The Citrus-strip will take the clear coat off of your trailer just fine. In the places where it hasn't been weathered, it may take a second application, but this stripper is easy to work with and won't take your skin off if you get a drop of it on you. Be sure to thoroughly mask any plastic stuff (ie., clearance light lenses, lexan windows, etc.), ans most stripper will disolve them.

good luck!
Belegedhel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2017, 10:50 AM   #5
3 Rivet Member
 
1972 25' Tradewind
Los angeles , California
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 112
Quote:
Originally Posted by Belegedhel View Post
The Citrus-strip will take the clear coat off of your trailer just fine. In the places where it hasn't been weathered, it may take a second application, but this stripper is easy to work with and won't take your skin off if you get a drop of it on you. Be sure to thoroughly mask any plastic stuff (ie., clearance light lenses, lexan windows, etc.), ans most stripper will disolve them.

good luck!
Thank you! Should I just cover the lenses etc with plastic bag and tape around?
Spookies is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2017, 12:28 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Belegedhel's Avatar
 
1973 21' Globetrotter
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,314
As long as the bags themselves are chemical resistant, this should work. I think I just used a bunch of painter's tape or duct tape, and it was adequate.

good luck!
Belegedhel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2017, 01:07 PM   #7
3 Rivet Member
 
1972 25' Tradewind
Los angeles , California
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 112
Quote:
Originally Posted by Belegedhel View Post
As long as the bags themselves are chemical resistant, this should work. I think I just used a bunch of painter's tape or duct tape, and it was adequate.

good luck!
I appreciate your help.. thank you.
Spookies is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2017, 01:08 PM   #8
2 Rivet Member
 
1994 28' Excella
Burkburnett , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 39
Found out by mistake that Goof Off will remove clear coat. After my Airstream was broken into I put a cover over the window to keep rain out using Duct tape. By the time I got the new window and pulled the cover off the Duct tape left a film.

Didn't take long to see that the Goof Off was removing more than the tape film.
paulken is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2017, 01:25 PM   #9
jkwoodrow
 
1987 34.5' Airstream 345
Springfield , Ohio
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 155
Use aluminum foil and aluminum tape to protect lenses and other areas you don't want the stripper to affect. It's what they use when stripping aircraft for repainting.
John Woodrow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2017, 03:50 PM   #10
3 Rivet Member
 
1972 25' Tradewind
Los angeles , California
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 112
Quote:
Originally Posted by John Woodrow View Post
Use aluminum foil and aluminum tape to protect lenses and other areas you don't want the stripper to affect. It's what they use when stripping aircraft for repainting.
What about the sealings and gaskets? Air vent gaskets etc. I need to clean them as well but how can I prevent the gaskets not having issue? Or should I remove them all first? Thank you.
Spookies is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 05:01 AM   #11
jkwoodrow
 
1987 34.5' Airstream 345
Springfield , Ohio
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 155
It's best to remove and replace any gaskets you can. You can also protect them with aluminum tape.
John Woodrow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 07:28 PM   #12
3 Rivet Member
 
1972 25' Tradewind
Los angeles , California
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 112
Quote:
Originally Posted by Belegedhel View Post
The Citrus-strip will take the clear coat off of your trailer just fine. In the places where it hasn't been weathered, it may take a second application, but this stripper is easy to work with and won't take your skin off if you get a drop of it on you. Be sure to thoroughly mask any plastic stuff (ie., clearance light lenses, lexan windows, etc.), ans most stripper will disolve them.

good luck!
Can I wash off the citristip with water? Or do I need to scrape it by hand? Thank you
Spookies is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 08:56 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
AlinCal's Avatar
 
1991 25' Excella
2011 19' Flying Cloud
Santa Ynez , California
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,185
You can wash it off but for me i wanted to keep from making mud were I was working. A medium brush or stiff sponge will work but do not scrape off as you mentioned even with a plastic scraper or you will scratch the aluminum and make more work for yourself later.
FYI I tried several different strippers and the citristrip ended up working best overall for me. Temperature seamed to play a role with the diff types and it worked best when warm out.
AlinCal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2017, 08:58 PM   #14
3 Rivet Member
 
1972 25' Tradewind
Los angeles , California
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 112
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlinCal View Post
You can wash it off but for me i wanted to keep from making mud were I was working. A medium brush or stiff sponge will work but do not scrape off as you mentioned even with a plastic scraper or you will scratch the aluminum and make more work for yourself later.
FYI I tried several different strippers and the citristrip ended up working best overall for me. Temperature seamed to play a role with the diff types and it worked best when warm out.
Thank you! That is so helpful.
Spookies is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2017, 03:26 PM   #15
1 Rivet Member
 
1970 18' Caravel
Lexington , Massachusetts
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 17
I tried Citri-strip, Aircraft stripper and epoxy/paint stripper, but there are still large areas that won't come off. I ave done about 12 application and spray offs and it still looks like it has patchy clear coat. Is it possible that it's not clear coat? Here are some pictures. Please help. I want to be done with this damn clear coat!

Thanks.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_2319.jpg
Views:	349
Size:	382.1 KB
ID:	289068   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_2320.jpg
Views:	352
Size:	241.6 KB
ID:	289069  

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_2322.jpg
Views:	407
Size:	272.7 KB
ID:	289070  
Streamy1985 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2017, 03:47 PM   #16
4 Rivet Member
 
dmbecke's Avatar
 
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
Des Peres , Missouri
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 266
I have never done this but at this point I would be using a powered polishing tool
Asked the experts one technique
dmbecke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-11-2017, 10:31 AM   #17
Rivet Master
 
sgschwend's Avatar
 
1986 25' Sovereign
2008 F350, 6.4L diesel , Oak Harbor, WA
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 605
Images: 13
Looks like clear coat to me.

Here is how you can test it. Use a 3M Scotch-Bright pad on one of those area after the stripper has been on for a few minutes. If it begins to release you have your answer.

We did use stripper and a pad on the vintage skins that were repaired in the English wheel.
sgschwend is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2017, 09:12 AM   #18
Rivet Master
 
sgschwend's Avatar
 
1986 25' Sovereign
2008 F350, 6.4L diesel , Oak Harbor, WA
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 605
Images: 13
Pulled the trailer from under the cover to strip the gel coat. I gallon of Citristrip for the 25 footer, no work on the top or the rear endcap repaired and coated last year.

The stripper will not work in sunlight, in our area we the fog provides the moisture and sunblock needed. Pressure washed removed the materials in sheets, only two hours of contact time. Something like 98% effective, the last 2% were specific locations.

Will not remove decal tap glue. Decals were steam removed, to remove the shadow ended up using a fiberglass wheel, then solvent cleanup stripper.

The uploaded pictures were taken in the fog free morning heavy dew, top crowns are covered in it. Without polishing the small scratches will remain, the oxidation on the upper can be blended to the sides with the use of #0000 steel wool.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20170826_072517209_HDR (Small).jpg
Views:	390
Size:	846.6 KB
ID:	293266   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20170826_072535782_HDR (Small).jpg
Views:	369
Size:	834.1 KB
ID:	293267  

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20170826_072617423 (Small).jpg
Views:	373
Size:	789.7 KB
ID:	293268  
sgschwend is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2017, 02:30 PM   #19
2 Rivet Member
 
1992 29' Excella
Powder Springs , Georgia
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 33
I'm going through this to currently, citrus strip is working best for me, shake it up well before applying it then let it soak for a couple hours, and using A white ultra fine scrubbing pad (Scotch-Brite ) soaked in stripper after wash I lightly scrub the area and that seems to take the last remnants off. Hope it works for you too.
Deja-vu is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2017, 02:04 PM   #20
2 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Antlers , Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 27
So, what do I do when I have stripped the the clear coat and it looks like the same spotchy stuff? Running my hand over edges of stained looking areas, there is no roughness, so I know clear coat is gone. How do I get rid of splotchiness? I have a 98 Excella Classic which would be a satin finish.
pkmeaton is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Protecting Plasti-coat / Clear coat John&Vicki Exterior Restoration Forum 5 07-30-2019 07:37 PM
Is it clear coat or clear film? TankerIP Clearcoat, Exterior Paint & Trim 16 12-07-2018 11:05 AM
remove clear coat and re coat one panel at a time. Bill M. Clearcoat, Exterior Paint & Trim 7 08-01-2016 02:37 PM
Inexpensive clear coat remover mrrealtor Clearcoat, Exterior Paint & Trim 6 02-29-2016 01:30 PM
clear coat or plastic coat fpoulson Cleaning, Stripping & Polishing 1 10-26-2014 12:42 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:43 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.