Paint - Stripping: Overview
Number: 83-I-120Section: I
Date: September, 1983
Subject: PAINT STRIPPING
VEHICLES AFFECTED: All Chevrolet models
The corrosion protection provided by the factory metal preparation and primer cannot be duplicated in a body shop and, therefore, the finish should not be stripped down to bare metal unless absolutely necessary. This is particularly true if the primer was applied by electrodeposition (ELPO), which greatly enhances the corrosion resistance of the vehicle.
Only strip the areas that require stripping. if only part of the roof needs to be stripped, then strip only that part of the roof, not the whole vehicle.
Some of the conditions that require stripping down to bare metal are:
1 ) Rust
2 ) Body work
3 ) Cracked primer
The following are conditions that require only the topcoat to be stripped leaving the factory primer intact:
1 ) Cracked topcoat
2 ) Peeling paint
3 ) Excessive film build
Checking the Condition of the Primer
If you are not sure if only the topcoat or the complete finish needs to be stripped, then use lacquer removing solvent to remove the lacquer topcoat from a small area. Clean this area with a rag soaked in a slow reducer. Dry the area and examine it with a magnifying glass. If cracks or pinholes are present in the primer, then strip only the defective areas to bare metal, otherwise only strip the lacquer topcoat.
Stripping the Color Topcoat
All Chevrolet passenger cars are finished in acrylic lacquer with exception of 1982 and 1983 Camaros, Celebrity's and Citation's at Plant Code "6", Oklahoma City and Corvettes which are all finished in acrylic enamel. To remove a lacquer topcoat without disturbing the factory primer, use a lacquer solvent (feather edger) or an acrylic lacquer paint remover such as Ditzler's DX525 or equivalent.
I. Lacquer Removing Solvent (Feather Edger)
Soak a rag with the solvent and run the finish until all the topcoat color is removed. Have many rags on hand, keep cloths wet with solvent and turn over frequently to aid in removing finish.
II. Lacquer Paint Remover (i.e. Ditzler's DX525)
A lacquer paint remover will strip lacquer and air dry enamel finishes but will not touch factory baked enamels and primers.
1. Wear rubber gloves and protective glasses and use in a well ventilated area.
2. Double mask all areas to be protected. Do not allow stripper to come in contact with fiberglass, urethane or plastic parts.
3. Brush on one heavy coat of stripper and allow to stand for about 15 minutes.
4. Using a rubber squeegee, simply wipe the old finish off.
5. Remove any remaining residue with lacquer solvent. (Do not use water to wash off since DX525 is not water soluable).