Technical data

areas. Protective clothing worn during water stripping
shall remain in the work area and shall not be taken
home for cleaning.
f. MPW nozzle operators shall never direct a nozzle at
other personnel. If more than one MPW nozzle operator
is involved in an operation at the same time, they shall
be located on opposite sides and/or ends of the aircraft
or equipment being stripped to ensure safe separation of
personnel.
g. Water and media residue generated during paint removal
operations can create a slippery condition. Walking on
top of aircraft or equipment during paint removal
operations shall be avoided, if at all possible, and shall
be done with extreme caution by personnel wearing fall
protection devices. All work stands shall be equipped
with guardrails to prevent falls.
2.12.5 Personnel Qualification. Several methods of
training may be used for initial and follow on MPW training.
2.12.5.1 Equipment manufacturer’s training. This
training may consist of on-site training or video training.
Regardless of the method, it is essential the individual
receives and understands the training given through a prac-
tical, locally developed certification method.
2.12.5.2 Air Force supplied local training. A unit level
training program can be developed to include general instruc-
tional information on operation and safety. This should be
followed by hands on practical training in performing MPW
using all appropriate safety equipment. This would be the
minimum requirements for operator certification.
2.13 REMOVAL OF THERMOPLASTIC POWDER
COATING.
2.13.1 Removal Procedures. Thermal spray coating
resins are difficult to remove by medium pressure abrasive
grit blasting; but grit blasting, scrapers, and other manual
tools may be used to remove coating that have deteriorated or
are substantially crosslinked. Intentionally inducing cross-
linking by overheating the powder coating during application
or degrading by excessive heating after coating application
results in easier removal. Conventional abrasive blasting at
60 PSI will remove these coatings. For areas requiring
nondestructive inspections on bare metal, brush a release
agent (NSN 9150-00-349-9290) on the specific NDI site after
each inspection prior to coating or re-coating. When removal
is required, carefully score the site and peel the coating off.
Reapply the release agent after the inspection cleanup before
re-coating. Small areas may also be reheated with a hot air
gun or small propane torch to soften the thermoplastic and
then manually scrape the area requiring removal while the
coating is still soft. For coatings that are still serviceable with
a low degree of cross-linking, or if induced cross-linking is
not feasible, MPW blasting per Paragraph 2.12 is an effective
method for removal. MPW blasting augmented with sodium
bicarbonate is more effective in removing the powder coat-
ings.
2.14 PAINT REMOVAL ON NON-METALLICS.
2.14.1 Removal Requirements. Non-metallics are de-
fined as Fabric Covered Surfaces, Fiber Glass, Arranged
Fiber (“Kevlar”) ⁄ Epoxy, and Graphite or Boron Fiber/Epoxy
Composite Surfaces. Non-metallics are susceptible to severe
damage by any of the paint removal processes, if improperly
used. Therefore, these limited and specific procedures for
removal of organic coatings shall be used only when the
responsible Air Logistics Center (ALC), Aircraft System
Program Director (SPD) or Equipment or Component Item
Manager, with the full knowledge of the ALC Corrosion
Program Manager, approves the procedure to be used.
• Chemical removers used for finish system
removal from metal surfaces shall not be used
on any non-metallics identified in this section,
unless approved within weapon system spe-
cific technical orders.
• Sharp-edged and sharp-cornered tools shall
not be used as scrapers for removal of the
finish system from fabric covered surfaces, as
they can easily puncture or tear the fabric.
Scrapers shall not be pushed across the sur-
face, but shall be held with the blade angled
away from the body and pulled across the
surface toward the body to prevent gouging of
the fabric.
2.14.1.1 PMB per Paragraph 2.11.5 may be used for paint
removal on Fiber Glass, Arranged Fiber (“Kevlar”)/Epoxy,
and Graphite or Boron Fiber/Epoxy Composite Surfaces; but
if unavailable or unauthorized, use the mechanical methods in
Paragraph 2.14.2 step a, step b, and step c below. If repairs
require the total removal of the topcoat and primer, refer to
TO 1-1-690 for additional procedures and precautions.
Chemical removal of coatings from composite surfaces is not
authorized. Refer to mechanical removal procedures for these
components.
TO 1-1-8
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