Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

Hi, I am refurbishing a Fiberglass F18 Hornet and need to know
the best method for removing old paint without damaging the jet.
Would appreciate any help.
Thanks in advance.dag46

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

Fiberglass stripper...check your local auto paint supply. Be sure and seal off anywhere you don't want the stripper to go.

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

Thanks,Do you know if there's a certain brand of paint that's best for jets?

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

just make sure the stripper you use is fibreglass safe.
otherwise sanding is your second option.
You should also try a few marine stores.

zain

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

I use Citristrip, avail at Wally World, Ace, etc. None of the strippers available on the open market will truley say fiberglass safe. I have used it more than once without damage to fiberglass.

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

Kleanstrip has a product called "Fiberglass Paint Remover" in a blue can. It's available at automotive paint and supply stores. This stuff will not attack the fiberglass if you apply/remove it as per the directions. I stripped a Balsa Bandit this past summer using this product with no problems. Just make sure to wash the stripper off really good with water/soap.

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

Have you tried sanding it yet?

Some paints sand off pretty easy...
and makes chancing damaging the fiberglass not worth the risk.

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

Test stripper on a small area (control surface) first.That way if you have any problems you will have a smaller mess.

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

i'm doing a bobcat now and used-kleen strip (peeler) in a spray can and it only takes the clear and base coats, does not touch primer. spray on ,wait 5min scrap off w/plastic scraper. paint was ppg -used 4 cans to do a b/cat. avail at most autobody supply shops

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

Hello,

I am trying to remove some paint on a Byron F16. I bought today "the premium sprayable stripper" from Kleanstrip. Can I use it on my byron or is it going to create problems with the fiberglass?

Thanks,

Le fou

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

You have to be careful with general paint strippers sold from Home Depot, etc. Some of them state on the label not to apply to fiberglass. I tried regular Kleanstrip on the bottom of a wing and it lifted the fiberglass/resin when I was taking it off.

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

Thank you for your reply. I think that I have the wrong product. I am going to return it and try to find the one specific for fiberglass.

Thanks,

Le fou

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

Be very careful with fiberglass paint strippers. Most are designed not to attack POLYESTER laid up glass, using them on EPOXY laid up glass may make goo out of your F18. If it were me I would just sand it. The jet isn't that large and the amount of paint that should be on it should come off quite easily.

Dan

RE: Need Info on Repainting Fiberglass Jet
 

Hello Dan,

I thought that the F16 from Byron was made of fiberglass and polyester resin? I do not believe that they use epoxy resin on this airplane.

Thanks,

Le fou