TOPIC: Stripping Paint from Aluminum

The paint job on my old Smoker-Craft was done by amatuers and, predictably, the paint below the waterline is peeling off from the friction with the water (freshwater use only). I noticed a lot of guys just don't bother painting aluminum hullls below the waterline and I gather it's because there are very hard to get paint ot stay there. I'd like to get mine down to bare metal below the waterline. What's the best way to strip off the rest of paint?

Thanks.

There are chemical paint strippers made for aluminum wheels (car)that are safe for aluminum. Use as directed and then pressure wash the paint off. Repeat for stubborn spots.

zonaman -

I used citrus strip to remove the paint from my DuraCraft...I'd use it again when necessary. A wire brush took care of the stubborn stuff and 3M pads did a nice job of buffing out scratches.

Dave

Thanks Guys,

I'm getting ready to start stripping the DuraCraft (just the copper) in between varnish coats on the SeaMac.

have been toying with "Stripeeze" Is that bad?

Jerri

The CitrusStrip is nice-it doesn't burn like the Stripeeze when it hits bare skin. I'm wondering what kind of paint is under the copper-it just won't come off.

Anyone know if I can sand and just paint over the old stuff? I would like to use Kirby paint on this project too.

Kleen-Strip aircraft stripper is what I use

Thanks, will give that a try.

jerri

Hi MadProps,

Amazingly enough, I found the kleen-strip here in our tiny town. It works MUCH better than the other stuff. But man does it burn if you get it on your skin.

THANKS, jer

This might be of interest...

forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=309879&page=19

Excellent thread and photos, thanks,

jer