Stripping paint off of aluminum

[1959_FDR]

Hi all,
I'm John.
I have a rare 1959 Alumacraft FDR that I'm going to completely restore.

Step 1.) Strip the years of paint layers off the boat

Question: Will regular Zip Strip ( yellow can) harm the aluminum in any way? (i.e. weaken it, mar or stain the aluminum surface?)

There looks to be 4 layers of paint. from top down they appear to be, Latex house paint ( OMG!!! ) , hard enamel, a soft laquer, and a primer coat ( I think)

There were only 702 total of these boats built in 1959 & 1960

Any suggestions on removing this hideous paint from this beautiful Aluminum boat?

Thanks in advance,
John

 

[woody20]

Re: Stripping paint off of aluminum

I have a 78 starcraft holiday I'm doing. I used the stuff from home cheapo, and I didn't have a problem. I used the 15min stuff and had to make sure to put it on thick so it would go through the two coats I had on it. Had to use about 2 cans of the stuff I have a gray, original golden yellow and primer. The primer somewhat stayed on. I would first take the motor off, check the transom for rot, remove the window, and any other hardware as it makes it alot easier. If the transom is rotten, replace, work on it while the stripper is working, and on down time from stripping, The stuff smells bad. Make sure to save the wood as a pattern if you can. I will find some links I had about replacing the transom wood. If there is any bottom paint on it it might be hard to get off, the stripper I used wasn't working to good. I think the bottom paint has lead in it.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Stripping paint off of aluminum

If you feel it is that valuable.... have it sand blasted with fine media. I used zip strip on a wood seat in my aluminum boat and I heard it is not good for aluminum. a few drops got on a painted aluminum surface and zap! instantly stripped. I guess you could try it but be careful.

They also make an abrasive wheel for a drill that is hard plastic ? like a green pad on steroids that does an okay job.

I do know you do not want to use a wire brush or it could start up a corrosive reaction. Stay away from it with a steel brush,.

Looks like a fun project and I love the old White merc's.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Stripping paint off of aluminum

I did that to my aluminum boat, with no problems. Brush it on in one direction, then let it work and wipe it off. When you're done, wash the boat.

It took me about three passes to get all the paint removed.

I couldn't see that it did any damage whatever to the aluminum.

 

[battery]

Re: Stripping paint off of aluminum

try going to your automotive paint store and ask for aircraft paint stripper. It won't hurt aluminum or they wouldn't use it on aircraft. it's strong stuff so you might want to use a respirator.

 

[samsam]

Re: Stripping paint off of aluminum

Whatever you do, protect the windshield. Replacing that could be expensive or impossible. I like your portable workbench in the foreground! Sam

 

[1959_FDR]

Re: Stripping paint off of aluminum

great advice from everyone, thanks much d

I used my Black & Decker heat/paint stripper gun on a small spot on the the aft port corner, ( it took forever ), and revealed a gleeming satin aluminum finish.

I think I'll first try the aircraft paint stripper if I can find it.
and yes I've already removed most of the hardware 8)

I'm a little afraid of using the blasting method because I don't want to disrupt that beautiful satin aluminum finish, so I'm a little gun shy about blasting it.

I think I might replace the transom wood with Walnut or maybe Cherry wood.

Yes I agree... that windshield is worth it's weight in gold as far as trying to replace it, so it will go up into the attic until it's time to re-install it o

Thanks again for all the advice and input.
I really appreciate it.

John
PS) I just acquired a BEAUTIFUL 1972 Starcraft 15' Jetstream-V also with a 50 hp Johnson 50th anniversary series outboard and after 5 days of work it's ready to hit the water WOOT :} I posted a picture in the starcraft forum

 

[samsam]

Re: Stripping paint off of aluminum

I used to have the equipment and sandblasted bulk oil storage tanks for a living. Sand is all I ever used so I don't know about the other media. A guy wanted his old car stripped and I did it. Of course it left a matt finish but what seemed strange to me was the heat from blasting seemed to be swelling the metal in the immediate vicinity of the blast. It was an old car and old cars have real thick metal so it didn't look all mishapen when I was done, but I'm wondering if heating up thin aluminum on the bigger unsupported areas of your boat won't leave it all distorted. Sam