Exterior paint removal?

[SCBrat]

I have another one of those questions that can only think to ask the experts here for help on. Has anyone tried to completely strip a bad exterior paint job to bring their AS back to the aluminum finish? We believe the previous owners tried to paint over some rust spots and possibly tried to make it look like an Argosy.

As always, any inputs would be greatly appreciated.

Beth

[Astrodokk]

My paint is starting to peel off at spots, and I was told that the PO didn't have the aluminum treated correctly before painting. As the paint peels, its leaving a beautiful polished aluminum look. I'd like to strip it all off too, but it will be a big hassle, as only a small area is peeling...about 3'x2'. Aluminum doesn't rust, but I've noticed some corrosion under the paint that bubbles, then peels. It's a white powdery corrosion.

I beleieve the work involved would be to much for me. Luckily, they painted it silver to make it look aluminum from far away. People were astounded that it is painted when they found out. Even the blue stripes are painted, not those sticker things that you can apply. Good luck.

[SCBrat]

If we do decide to strip the paint, what product is recommended? I wouldn't want to do anymore damage to the skins than already may be there.

[InsideOut]

You may want to perform a search on "Stripping Clearcoat" for some ideas of products that people have had varying degrees of success with. If a product strips clearcoat, it would also strip paint...try a couple of different products and see which one works best for you. We found Kleen-Strip Aircraft Stripper to work best on our clearcoat.

Good luck...it's a nasty job, but looks great when you're on the other side!

Shari

[62 Overlander]

I used a product called SV-35/AC from Napier Enviromental that is a so called safe stripper to strip the clear coat off my 62 Overlander. It worked better than any of the methylene chloride based strippers I tried so I'm sure it would work great on paint. I ordered it through www.aircraftspruce.com. I used an airless sprayer on an overcast day to apply it to the trailer. I sprayed the entire trailer made sure that it was on at least 15-20 minutes and then came back with a power washer and the clear coat came right off. I used two gallons for a 26 footer.

[Holzarbeiter]

SCBrat
You can go to Walmart and get Klean-Strip in an aerosol can, about 3.50 a can, use some steel wool and laquer thinner to rub the tuff areas after scrapping, wipe with laquer on a rag to finish.
I washed the area with soap and water afterwards.
This is a tuff job, i'm only half way done and you will need to do alot of sanding and polishing unless you want to paint again.
Good luck

[wb13798]

i stripped a 72 and polished it out. took three weeks and was a lot of hard nasty work. think i would do the spray on and power wash off sounds like a lot less work. but remember to wash front to rear. lots of luck.

[Rick Alston]

I used the new version of that which is called Removal 210.

I bought it at a PPG Industries related paint store for $50/gallon and needed only 2 gallons to do the entire job on my 20' Argosy.

One afternoon I applied it and let it set overnight and that yielded a 90% complete job with a power washer rinse. The remaining 10% was re-done and off it came.

This product is environmentally safe; the only thing you should do is trap the paint/clearcoat on a tarp and dispose of at a landfill that handles nasty stuff.

[InsideOut]

use some steel wool and laquer thinner to rub the tuff areas after scrapping

I sure wouldn't use steel wool...both because of scratching & I wouldn't want the steel wool particles imbedding themselves in the aluminum. They could discolor & corrode the aluminum. A ScotchBrite-type pad would be a better choice IMHO.

Shari

[wb13798]

if your going to polish
1, don't scrape with a metal tool try something in plastic
2. don't even use steel wool
3. if you have to do as Shari suggest scotch brite but one that isn't too abrasive.
4. the more you scratch the more you will polish.
take pictures before and after and
have fun when you get done you can see what you have accomplished. it will be awesome.