Removing paint from aluminum

[pennuja]

I have to remove the old paint from the side of my bus, there is a brown and white stripe on the side. I was going to paint over it but it is chipping too badly to easily paint over it.

Can anyone recommend a paint remover that wont harm the aluminum on the bus, leave streaks when rinsing etc?

[Paso One]

There is a aircraft stripper called Mar Hyde I have used it on two projects. works extremely well.

On the front of the jug is a lear jet  so it should be good enough for us.

[Utahclaimjumper]

 Do you intend to repaint or attempt to polish the surface?? most polishing attempts are not feasible due to finding bondo under the old paint.. Aircraft stripper (a trade name) will do you a good job, but its always a lot of work to prep and repaint, but you are usually left with no choice.. After stripping rinse well and let fully dry, then prime with a self etching primer.>>>Dan

[luvrbus]

Klean-Strip aircraft paint remover is the best a individual can do @ 40 to 50 bucks a gal don't waste your money on the Rust-Oleum aircraft stripper @ 20 bucks a gal cheaper but takes 3 times longer and 3 times as much of the product.The pros are using D-Zolve but they won't sell to the public and besides a 5 gal pail is minimum fwiw any will streak if you don't flush it in a hurry

[pennuja]

Thanks for the help, I am going to repaint the same original red stripe that was covered by brown. I also think I might have to do the roof too, most of that paint is falling off so it might just come off with a stiff bristle brush.

As long as rinsing quick works that is what I am going to do.

[eagle19952]

http://www.amazon.com/GAR343-KLEAN-STRIP-Aircraft-Stripper-Gallon/dp/B004Y1KX9E

[Oonrahnjay]

...  As long as rinsing quick works that is what I am going to do. 

      One thing about a powerful stripper is that it is more important to get it off thoroughly!  If there are traces of it left around rivet heads or body seams or similar places, it will bleed out and stop your new paint from sticking (and cause other problems).  Read directions and be careful.