Paint removal ???

[Set_of_Nine]

I need to remove the paint on my tail feathers and patch a few minor places and then repaint. I do not know what type of paint was used, but need a paint remover that will not damage the Poly Fiber. Trying not to have to re-cover the whole project. I have tried to use MEK, and that doesn't touch the paint. Any suggestions ??

[kmach]

Hi,

What is the covering process used ?

On my model 5 , I have polyfibre fabric with the Stewart's system and aerothane paint.

Aerothane can not be removed with mek , acetone or solvents , it needs to be carefully sanded off to the UV barrier , then mek will take off the remaining coats down to the fabric, if required.

The Stewart's process leaves a greenish color on the inside of the fabric that is really noticeable at the reinforcement finishing tapes.

The picture is before the UV layer went on, it shows the Stewart's systems color.

[Set_of_Nine]

I think its the Polyfiber fabric. Feels like it and looks like it, but am not absolutely sure.

[kmach]

From the inside the Polyfibre finishing process will look pinkish.

You can check from inspection ports or lift your seat, to see the fabric.

My fabric has the polyfibre stamp every so often that is visible from the inside, looking back into the tail with the seat removed.

In the Polyfibre manual they talk of removing polytone (topcoat) easily with mek for repairs .

The other two options they use for topcoat are Aerothane and Ranthane but they don't get into how to remove them for repairs. I think it is with sand paper and elbow grease.

I would check for the fabric stamp and color, then go from there. The polyfibre website has allot of info there as well. The staff was helpfull too when I was trying to figure out what covering process I have on my airplane !

[Set_of_Nine]

Thanks kmach, sanding the horizontal stabilizer and rudder sounds like tooo
much work and a lot of time. Think I'll just re-skin and paint it right.