[A/S] Clear Coat Removal (again)

[George Humphrey <george@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Streamers,

Just a quick update on my clear coat removal progress and some "Hints and 
Kinks". This may all be old news but I wanted to share it. I am working on 
an '89 Excella 29' whose clear coat was beginning to be a mess. I am a 
Texas resident without shade for the stream.

First I am using Napier Stripper SV-35AC  from Aircraft Spruce as suggested 
by those on this list. It will take in excess of three gallons to do the 
whole trailer and the propane bottles cover. The stripper is 
environmentally safe and works easily. I am applying with a paint brush 
and/or a roller depending on the location and washing it off with a small 
high pressure washer. I estimate that the total hours for completion is 
going to be about 20-25 hours. I have all sides, front and rear and most of 
the top completed, so I about completed.

"Hints and Kinks"
1.      Each piece of aluminum has a different personality when stripped, 
that is difference in grain   and difference in color (ever so slightly).
2.      Each piece of aluminum requires a difference in labor and stripper 
to get completely clean.
3.      Do not let the stripper dry out on the aluminum as it becomes very 
difficult to remove.  10-30  minutes is generally enough time.
4.      The aluminum needs to be 70 degrees F at least, but do not apply in 
direct sun if possible.
5.      The aluminum that has been shaded from the sun for it's entire life 
(under rock shields,        license plate and etc.) will take as many as 
four coats of stripper before it is clean.
6.      The aluminum that has been exposed to the maximum sun (top) will 
usually clean up with first    application or a spot job only after the 
first application.
7.      I will not apply any more decals (Good Sam, www.boatanchors, and 
etc), except my        numbers, to the aluminum as they are tough to remove.

I hope this helps someone.
George
'89 Excella 29'
'95 F-350 Crew Cab Long Bed Train

George KC5WBV