What is aircraft paint stripper and is it different than airplane paint remover?

What is aircraft paint stripper and is it different than airplane paint remover?

A month or so ago, I wrote an article called, “What’s the best aircraft paint remover?”. I thought it would be prudent to write an article about the difference between aircraft paint remover and aircraft paint stripper. Are there two kinds or are they really the same thing? Let’s dive into this interesting topic.

Let’s discuss the three categories:

·      Aircraft paint stripper

·      Airplane paint remover

·      Jet paint thinner

We have stripper, remover and thinner. To tackle this issue, I think it would be best to view the topics as light from dark. Let me explain. Paint thinner does exactly what it says. It thins the paint and isn’t really used for removing paint or stripping it. Removing paint isn’t the same as stripping the paint so thinning is light and stripping is dark. Also, stripper and remover are basically the same thing yet some paint companies claim that their stripper is more potent than the remover. I think it’s more of a sales and marketing thing rather than an actual truth.

Jet paint thinner (light - liquid)

Jets are frequently painted because they are used more often than airplanes. When an aircraft is painted often, they usually thin the paint down and sand it smooth while painting over the excess instead of stripping it down to the metal. It saves time and money. Therefore, paint thinner is best for jets.

Airplane paint remover (medium - liquid)

Airplanes are not painted as often as jets. Airplanes are either homebuilt or professionally made with single or dual engines. Types of airplanes include taildraggers, single-engine pistons, tricycle gears, ultralights, floatplanes, light sport aircrafts, multiengine pistons or turboprops. Airplanes require thinner, remover and stripper to get to the metal. It usually depends on how many layers of paint and how old the plane is. If you are planning on painting an airplane yourself, you can check out my previous articles on my blog that help you with understanding the basics of DIY airplane painting.

Aircraft paint stripper (dark - gel)

Aircrafts are not painted as often as airplanes and jets. They are more experimental and do not require a new paint job every so often because they are not flown all the time. Aircrafts fall in the schema of amphibians, helicopters, tiltrotors, and/or seaplanes, biplanes, gliders, gyroplanes, kitbuilts, homebuilts or airships (blimps & dirigibles). These are more of exotic machinery and not found often at airports because they are classics or experimental. Painting classic (old) machinery is difficult and could require all types of thinner, remover and strippers depending on the age of the paint, metal or wood interior and other obstacles. For example, let’s say you inherit a 60-year-old airplane that’s been sitting in a barn. Restoring it by removing the paint first will be a nightmare if you don’t know what you are doing. Paint thinners, removers and strippers could harm the interior so you have to tackle it very cautiously and baby the whole thing.

http://www.vertinc.net/aircraft-paint-stripper-different-airplane-paint-remover/