How to Strip Paint From a Bellanca Airplane
- 1). Put on eye protection, rubber gloves and a respirator mask when removing paint from a Bellanca airplane. Plan to work in small sections, about 3 feet by 3 feet at a time. This helps prevent the task from becoming overwhelming.
- 2). Apply the paint stripper to the metal with an old work rag. Allow the stripper to sit for about 10 minutes. Scrape away the paint residue with a plastic paint scraper. Place the removed paint into a large bucket or trash can.
- 3). Use a rag soaked with paint stripper to remove the paint from the crevices around the bolts in the plane and seams between metal parts. Repeat the stripping process for the entire plane.
- 4). Sand the entire plane with fine-grit sandpaper. Continue to work in small three foot by three foot sections to make it easier and more manageable. Remove all signs of corrosion and sand until the metal starts to shine.
- 5). Mix one part water and one part acid etch in a large bucket. Wash the entire surface of the aluminum with the acid solution to etch the surface and prepare it for painting. Rinse the plane with clear water to remove the acid.
- 6). Wipe down the metal with a conversion coating. This prevents further corrosion of the metal and also prepares the surface for painting. Allow the conversion coating to sit for 10 minutes, then rise the metal with clear water. Allow the plane to dry for 24 hours before painting.
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