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Re: Paint Stripping questions

To: spitfires@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Paint Stripping questions
From: "John T. Blair" <jblair1948@cox.net>
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2005 17:42:03 -0500
At 01:58 PM 3/30/2005 +0000, Paul Grafelman wrote:

>In the process of stripping all the paint from my 77. I am using Aircraft 
>Stripper and probably a DA with 80 grit to get the small remaining bits. A 
>few questions though:
>
>1. After stripping the paint, I need to neutralize/clean the residue before 
>priming. In your experience, what's the best way to do this. The stripper 
>says to use mineral spirits, but won't this leave a residue? I've also read 
>that you can use soap and water, but this makes me nervous.

Paul,

If the stripper says to use mineral spirits, I think I'd use that.  However,
after that, I think I'd was with soap and water.  Or I'd at least use
soap and water.  Also do a relatively small area, like a fender, then
neutralize it.  Don't try to do too big of an area or the stripper can etch
into the metal and you'll have a hell-of-a time trying to get it clean or
to get paint to stick.  (Don't ask how I know.)

>2. How long can I safely leave the sheet metal unprotected? It's in the 
>garage, no problem with exposure to weather or anything, but I'm worried 
>about moisture in the air. I hope to strip/repair/prime within a couple of 
>weeks, if it's safe to do so. I've hear of and tried to find Picklex 20, but 
>no-one around here has heard of it.

In reality, almost a second!  However, after you have neutralized the stripper
with soap and water, try the metal with a towel.  Then use something like
Oshpo or DuPont 5017 Metal Conditioner (this is what I use) to etch the metal
and kill any surface rust.  

After the metal conditioner, you can leave the metal bare for a day or so,
depending on the humidity and where/how it is stored.  If you get surface
rust before you are ready to prime, simply hit the metal again with the
metal conditioner.  It's not a bad idea to do that just before you prime
it any way.

Also, most primers are hydroscopic - they absorb moisture from the air.  So
don't leave the primed metal too long before topcoating with color.  Again
a couple of days in a garage should be no problem.  But don't leave the 
body out in the rain.


Hope this helps.

John


John T. Blair  WA4OHZ     email:  jblair1948@cox.net
Va. Beach, Va             (eBay id: zebra48-1)
Phone:  (757) 495-8229

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