Technical data

2.14.2 Mechanical Paint Removal on Fiber Glass,
Arranged Fiber (“Kevlar”)/Epoxy, and Graphite or Bo-
ron Fiber/Epoxy Composite Surfaces.
Do not mount an abrasive on a motor driven tool
having an operational speed higher than the
maximum RPM rating of the abrasive. This can
result in disintegration of the abrasive and can
cause injury to personnel.
NOTE
The following procedures are not applicable to
radomes. Finish system removal from radomes
shall be accomplished per instructions in TO
1-1-24.
a. Abrade the finish system topcoat from the surface down
to the primer with hand held abrasives per Table 2-1 and
Table 2-3 or either a random orbital tool or pneumatic
drill motor (12,000 RPM max) fitted with a roloc or
hook and loop mounted surface conditioning disc or a
cloth abrasive disc per Table 2-2 and Table 2-3. Use
sanders attached to high efficiency vacuum systems for
dust recovery. Use of a random orbital tool or a
pneumatic drill motor fitted with the “Scotch-Brite”
medium grade, aluminum oxide, surface conditioning
disc (3M Co.) is preferable. This method provides the
fastest removal rate with the least possibility of damage
to the composite substrate and the longest abrasive life
due to the non-loading characteristics of this type of
disc. Keep sander heads flush against the surfaces being
sanded and apply the least amount of pressure necessary
to effectively remove the finish system topcoat and not
go through the primer and gouge or abrade the compos-
ite substrate.
b. Abrade the primer from the surface using the same
methods as used for the topcoat but with finer grade
abrasives per Table 2-1 and Table 2-3 using the same
methods as specified for the topcoat in paragraph above.
Extreme caution is to be used to avoid any damage to
the composite materials. Re-coating of exposed com-
posite materials should be accomplished at the earliest
opportunity as composite materials degrade when ex-
posed to ultra violet (UV) light.
c. After all topcoat has been removed, use HEPA vacuums
with appropriate attachments to vacuum dust from
aircraft and facility floors. Do not use compressed air
unless absolutely necessary to remove dust from very
narrow cracks and crevices.
TO 1-1-8
2-28