40 grit sandpaper ok for paint removal?

[gunner1]

I started to strio the paint off of my '67 Starcraft aluminum hull today and noticed alot of shiny specs on the ground. I'm using a 5" sanding disc in my Craftsman drill on the low setting. As stated the sandpaper is 40 grit.

 

[gcboat]

Re: 40 grit sandpaper ok for paint removal?

It's more than I'd think about using. Maybe start with 120# the then try 80#. I'd be more inclined to use a paste stripper - it that would be at all possible for your situation. A lot of folks will have different ideas but 40# seems a bit heavy to me. Again, don't know the condition or amount of paint you're trying to remove. A shot in the dark from me.

 

[thunderroad]

Re: 40 grit sandpaper ok for paint removal?

40 sounds pretty aggressive for aluminum. I like to start light and go to heavier grit only if necessary. It's easier to change to heavier grit than it is to deal with deep sanding marks.

 

[JB]

Re: 40 grit sandpaper ok for paint removal?

I don't think I would use anything coarser than 80, and more likely 120. Takes longer but leaves a MUCH better surface.

A random orbit sander is not expensive and would make the job a lot easier and cleaner.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: 40 grit sandpaper ok for paint removal?

Do yourself a favor and get a gallon of aircraft remover, It can get a little messy but the end result is fantastic, it won't hurt the aluminum if you do it right, put it on heavy with a 4" brush just one stroke slap it on there and let it sit about 10 mins, scrape the majority off with a spatula or careful not to gouge the aluminum, then one more time slap it on there wait 10 mins and finish it off with scotchbrite, I did an entire 14' V hull in 1 night took 2 gals. and I still have some left, It left a bare aluminum which I washed down with dish detergent and then preped with phosfate metal prep and primed with epoxie primer ready for paint.

 

[cknadroj]

Re: 40 grit sandpaper ok for paint removal?

I blasted mine.

Before

http://www.shareaproject.com/fullImages/2004.jpg

After

http://www.shareaproject.com/fullImages/3408.jpg