Hi I want to remove some decals under a clearcoat which lies on top of brushed aluminum. I was wondering how I can do this without harming the aluminum. And how I can reapply the clearcoat so there is a nice clean look. Would I have to remove all the clearcoat from the pannel or can I remove a portion of the clear coat and reapply. And what is the best/longlasting clear coat to use? Thanks
How to properly remove and reapply clear coat?
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DLB
New member
- Jul 13, 2009
- 1,211
- 0
I don't know how big of an area you are talking about here, but there are a couple of options.
In my experience - you can't remove only a part of a the clearcoat on a section and get it to look good when you redo the entire piece. You are just as well off to take it all off, then respray the entire area.
Not knowing what this is going on or what you are trying to achieve really it's hard to say what clear coat is going to be best to spray back on to the piece. I will say it is probably going to be best to just go to you local auto body supply and pick up as small a thing as you can of their recommended clear for your application.
To remove the existing clear without hurting the aluminum, use a checmical stripper - such as Klean Strip Aircraft Remover.
You can pick this up locally at the parts store or Wal-Mart. Just wear gloves! I have used this on some nice wheels before to remove the clear and polish them - so I can vouch first hand that you won't hurt your metal if used correctly.
DLB
In my experience - you can't remove only a part of a the clearcoat on a section and get it to look good when you redo the entire piece. You are just as well off to take it all off, then respray the entire area.
Not knowing what this is going on or what you are trying to achieve really it's hard to say what clear coat is going to be best to spray back on to the piece. I will say it is probably going to be best to just go to you local auto body supply and pick up as small a thing as you can of their recommended clear for your application.
To remove the existing clear without hurting the aluminum, use a checmical stripper - such as Klean Strip Aircraft Remover.
You can pick this up locally at the parts store or Wal-Mart. Just wear gloves! I have used this on some nice wheels before to remove the clear and polish them - so I can vouch first hand that you won't hurt your metal if used correctly.
DLB
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
- 51,004
- 6
Maybe show the component you're working on to a painter, (car painter at a body shop), and ask them the best way to approach the project.
You could also check with a "Paint Mixer" at a PBE store.
What is it you're working on?
Trim piece?
Wheel?
Component?
Also, since this was you're first post... welcome to Autogeek Online!
:welcome: