I'm attempting to strip the clear coat and remove the oxidation so I can paint the wheels. Watched several you tube videos where they used stripper, and they made it look easy. Put it on and wait a little then it just scraped right off. Well, I'm not having much luck. I first tried a gel stripper that was supposed to work in 2-5 minutes, it softened the clear and just made it gummy, couldn't get down to the metal. Then I bought the "aircraft" stripper in a spray can, it worked better but still not like what I watched on video! Softened the coating but little "peeled" off. What am I doing wrong. Do I need to let it dry before trying to scrape? I'm in Michigan and it's cold so I'm working in the heated garage, 60-65 degrees and I have to open a window with a fan in it to pull the fumes out and I'm wearing a respirator as well. How much of the clear do I have to worry about if I plan on painting anyway? It's not like I'm trying to polish the aluminum for a shine, just want a good surface for primer and paint to adhere to. I guess I'm asking if there is no oxidation do I still need to strip the clear in that area? Thanks for any input.

 

All the consumer grade strippers are weak. This includes what they sell as aircraft stripper all that means is aluminum safe. I wouldn't waste my time on this, I can get wheels bead blasted and powdercoated for under 50.00 a wheel here in California. You should have similar options available.

 

I was looking at something like that for my truck body as well. All the reading seems to indicate the stuff has to sit for 5-6 hours and only takes off one layer at a time. I have never tried it so no help that way. and yes the stuff is nasty to work with .

 

Gel stripper as you put it, needs to sit for 15-20 min and stay wet. NOT 5 min or 5 hours. I have never used the spray stuff so I have no input there

As for sandblasting aluminum, that is one sure fire way to make ALOT of work to polish them