Head in the clouds. Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 Hi folks. I am looking for info on wing parts from a Tornado ADV, F2/3 scale 1:1. My sons boss has acquired an airbrake and wing flap or leading edge slats with the intention of turning them into a coffee table or similar but does not feel the love for the current paint scheme of grey. They have tried readily available paint strippers but to no avail so my question is; if they want to remove the paint back to bare aluminium what is the correct medium to use and can it be obtained commercially without need for any special licence? While on the subject are there any points they should be aware of so as not to damage the metal in the precess of removing the paint. It is bit of an odd request but any help forthcoming would be gratefully received. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete in Lincs Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 Hello Mate, The stuff we used to use has probably been banned by now. We stripped a complete Wessex once, oh the stink! I think you might get away with Nitromors or something similar, it shouldn't harm the aluminium but make sure there is plenty of water to wash it off afterwards. Thick rubber gloves and scotchbrite pads will help. Plus masks and goggles of course. If the Nitromors won't touch it, then wet & dry is probably the next stage. It will at least take off the top layer & down to etch primer. Then respray in your colour of choice. Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 8 minutes ago, Pete in Lincs said: Hello Mate, The stuff we used to use has probably been banned by now. We stripped a complete Wessex once, oh the stink! I think you might get away with Nitromors or something similar, it shouldn't harm the aluminium but make sure there is plenty of water to wash it off afterwards. Thick rubber gloves and scotchbrite pads will help. Plus masks and goggles of course. If the Nitromors won't touch it, then wet & dry is probably the next stage. It will at least take off the top layer & down to etch primer. Then respray in your colour of choice. Pete I have friend who used to paint airframes at St Athan, he hated the Royal Navy aircraft as it required fully breathing apparatus while using the paint striper! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedy Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 When we removed paint from areas on blades etc, we used M.E.K but we’re all gloved/masked up. In the old days it was Trike but that’s banned now. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julien Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 I know from experience that commercial paint strippers don't touch aircraft paint. Best to use a wire brush and or wet and dry if you want to take back to bare metal. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selwyn Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 9 hours ago, Head in the clouds. said: Hi folks. I am looking for info on wing parts from a Tornado ADV, F2/3 scale 1:1. My sons boss has acquired an airbrake and wing flap or leading edge slats with the intention of turning them into a coffee table or similar but does not feel the love for the current paint scheme of grey. They have tried readily available paint strippers but to no avail so my question is; if they want to remove the paint back to bare aluminium what is the correct medium to use and can it be obtained commercially without need for any special licence? While on the subject are there any points they should be aware of so as not to damage the metal in the precess of removing the paint. It is bit of an odd request but any help forthcoming would be gratefully received. Thank you. Probably easier amd safer to sand back to metal. If you don't like the grey paint green /grey like a GR1 as the F3 wing was identical to the GR1/4. Selwyn 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Head in the clouds. Posted February 23, 2020 Author Share Posted February 23, 2020 Thanks for your replies folks, I shall pass on your thoughts and let them get suited and booted while handling all those lovely chemicals. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bentwaters81tfw Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 You might do better finding a local shot/bead blaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Work In Progress Posted February 23, 2020 Share Posted February 23, 2020 (edited) Shot blasting will destroy the contours of light alloy in aircraft thicknesses. The choice of medium is all-important. Most major car restoration shops have facilities, either in-house or a specialist they call upon when required. What I'd do is take them along and see if you can get their thoughts based on the actual components. Maybe if suitable you could get them added to an existing media blasting session for a car restoration. Someone who handles a lot of delicate aluminium panels on things like old Ferraris or Astons is the advisor you want. On various old Porsches I have seen a lot of dry ice blasting used and it worked a treat without changing a single contour. Some relevant chat here: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/soda-blasting-vs-hand-sanding-aluminum-bodied-vehicle.444963/ Edited February 23, 2020 by Work In Progress Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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