Technical data

CHAPTER 2
ORGANIC FINISH SYSTEM REMOVAL
2.1 INTRODUCTION.
The most important factor in removal of organic finish
systems (coatings/paints) is complete removal without dam-
aging surfaces on which they are applied. A variety of
materials and either chemical or mechanical methods can
remove finish systems. In choosing a material and a method,
a compromise between maximum removal power and maxi-
mum protection for the equipment being stripped must be
made. Accessibility of areas to be stripped can dictate the
types of materials and methods to be used. For these reasons,
only those materials and methods described in this chapter,
subject to noted restrictions, are authorized for general use in
organic finish system removal from Air Force equipment.
Adherence to removal procedures and their sequence of
performance in this chapter is mandatory. Other removal
materials and methods can be authorized for limited and
specific applications, but only when specifically approved
and defined in system peculiar aircraft and/or equipment
technical orders. The term “Depot Level” in this chapter
refers to organizations and facilities which are involved in
complete aircraft stripping operations on a routine, if not
daily basis. This includes the Air Logistic Centers (ALCs)
and contract stripping operations. It does not include field-
level maintenance facilities.
NOTE
National Stock Numbers (NSNs), if assigned, for
chemical removers, abrasives, and other materi-
als and equipment authorized in this chapter are
in Federal Stock Classes (FSC) 5345/50, 6850,
and 8135 and FSC 7500, 7900, and 8000. Consult
the current FED LOG and GSA Catalog and/or
the D043 System to convert specification and part
numbers to NSNs and for ordering and pricing
information and shelf life codes.
2.2 GENERAL.
NOTE
Each time an aircraft is completely depainted, the
following information shall be documented in the
aircraft historical record, AFTO Form 95: 1. Type
of paint removal process used, 2. Where accom-
plished, and 3. Date accomplished.
Organic finish systems shall be removed from Air Force
aircraft and equipment only when the condition of deteriora-
tion of the system indicates the need for removal or when
required in a system peculiar technical order to perform a
specified inspection of the underlying structure. This applies
to stripping of components and small areas of aircraft and
equipment as well as to the entire surface of aircraft or
equipment. Removal of the entire exterior organic finish
system from aircraft shall be accomplished in accordance
with the criteria specified in Chapter 8 of this manual and the
Aircraft System Program Manager’s Service Life Paint Plan.
Prior to any organic finish system removal, the following
steps shall be taken in all cases:
a. Ensure that the facility to be used for finish system
removal operations meets all the safety, fire precaution,
health promotion, and environmental requirements in
applicable AFOSH and NFPA standards. Precautionary
measures shall be taken to prevent paint and paint
removal waste from contaminating air, water, or soil.
Prior to performance of finish system removal opera-
tions, all personnel must be trained on Personal Protec-
tive Equipment (PPE) as required in AFOSH STD
48-137 and 91-501. Personnel who are not wearing
appropriate PPE shall not perform finish system removal
operations.
b. Ensure that the facility to be used for finish system
removal operations provides the proper precautionary
measures for disposal of finish system removal waste
products as required by AFI 32-7041, AFI 32-7080, and
AFI 32-7086 to prevent contamination of lakes, rivers,
and streams. Many chemicals used in finish system
removal operations and finish system residues require
special treatment and control prior to disposal. Disposal
shall be accomplished under the direction of the Base
Safety Office, the Base Civil and Bioenvironmental
Engineers, and the Environmental Management Office
in a manner which will not violate local, state, and
federal pollution regulations. Consult AFI 32-1067, AFI
32-7041, AFI 32-7042, AF PAM 32-7043, AFI 32-7045,
AFI 32-7080, AFI 32-7086, and AFOSH STD 91-501
for detailed information on disposal of finish system
removal waste.
c. Determine the type of organic finish system to be
removed so that the proper material and method for
removal can be chosen from those listed in this chapter.
Consult aircraft and/or equipment system peculiar tech-
nical orders and drawings, component drawings, aircraft
historical records (AFTO Form 95), and/or the aircraft
exterior finish identification marking on the aircraft
(reference Chapter 8) to help in this determination. If the
finish system cannot be determined from these docu-
ments or they are not available, determine the finish
system as follows:
(1) Rub a small area on the surface from which the finish
system is to be removed vigorously with a cotton rag
wet with ASTM D 329 acetone. If the finish system
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