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Nothing’s more aesthetically unsettling than a chipped or fading exterior. Who wouldn’t want their private jet gleaming with clean, shiny layers of paint? Fortunately, aircraft paint removers and strippers help you remove paint from a plane without incurring damage.
Fixing the knicks and chips that sometimes occur is part of regular aircraft maintenance and repair. Most aircrafts have three layers of paint, meaning you need to pick a quality aircraft paint remover to go beyond the top surface. The best aircraft paint removers and thinners help you remove paint without ruining the surface.
Aircraft painters will use different paint removers and strippers depending on the type of paint on the aircraft. So which of the best aircraft paint removers and thinners are premium? How do you pick the right product?
Here at Southern Air Customs, it’s our job to understand the quality products you need to repair and customize your aircraft. Here’s a breakdown of the best aircraft paint removers and thinners you can find online.
Where to buy aircraft paint removers and strippers
You won’t find a variety of aircraft paint thinners and removers in one location. Some department stores like Walmart and Home Depot may carry a few brands. You may also get lucky finding some on eBay and Amazon. But the best place to buy aircraft paint removers and strippers is directly from the manufacturer’s site or brick-and-mortart stoe.
Don’t worry about location, though. A complete aircraft maintenance and management company like Southern Air Customers would take care of all that legwork so you can focus on enjoying your jet!
Best Aircraft Paint Removers & Strippers
Some paint removers and strippers only remove oil-based paint, while others only remove water- based paint. You might also want removers with fewer harmful chemicals to lower the risk of health effects and encourage more environmentally friendly practices.
We’ll cover all of these options and more on this “best aircraft paint removers and strippers list” right here!
CitrusStrip
CitrusStrip is a popular paint stripper for oil-based and latex-based paint. Aircraft maintenance experts appreciate CitrusStrip’s ability to cut through at least three (maximum of five) layers of paint–the standard number of paint layers for most aircraft. The citrus scent is a nice bonus, and the product doesn’t contain chemicals like methylene chloride or the toxic N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). It’s advertised that it doesn’t release any harmful fumes–a plus for the environment and your health.
The product has the following ingredients in order of largest concentration:
- Benzenemethanol (Benzyl alcohol)
- Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol ((a glycol ether))
- 2-(2-Aminoethoxy) ethanol
- Hydrotreated light distillate (petroleum, mineral spirits)
- Alcohol ethoxylate (Alcohols, C9-11, Ethoxylated)
- Terpinolene
- Limonene
Materials you can use it on:
- Oil-based paint
- Latex-based paint
- Varnish
- Lacquer
- Polyurethane and shellac (wood)
- Metal and masonry surfaces
Where to buy:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Menards
- ACE Hardware
Price:
$23.87 for a 64 oz container at Home Depot
D-Zolve 15-33R Aircraft Depainter by Solvent Kleene
Offered by Solvent Kleene, D-Zolve 15-33R aircraft paint remover can dissolve several layers of aircraft paint. The product works by breaking the substrate-primer bond, then lifting away the paint–film, primer, and topcoat.
Safety-wise, the product claims to be non-hazardous, non-flammable, non-acidic, and lacking chlorinated components. The company considers environmental risks in its construction, with minimal air pollution potential and carcinogens.
If you want a paint remover that offers security, you can feel good knowing that this one’s approved and recommended by the US Air Force!
Materials you can use it on:
- Aluminum
- Magnesium
- Stainless steel
- Carbon steel
- Cadmium-coated steel
- Titanium
Where to buy:
From the manufacturer.
Price:
Not listed, but you can get a free sample to try it first.
D-Zolve 15-33 Immersion Aircraft Depainter from Solvent Kleene
The D-Zolve Immersion Depainter, also offered by Solvent Kleene, will cut through several layers of paint on wheels, landing gear, and various other aircraft parts. With slow evaporation and long active life, this immersion depainter is perfect for tank immersion stripping.
Like the D-Zolve sister product (15-33R Depainter), this paint remover considers health risks because it’s non-acidic, non-carcinogenic, and the composition of fumes poses little to no hazardous air pollution.
Materials you can use it on:
- Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
- Epoxy primers with cross-linked polyurethane topcoats
- Powder coatings like polyesters, epoxies, and polyurethanes
- High-content-solid fluoride topcoats
Where to buy:
From the manufacturer.
Price:
Not available, but you can get a free sample to try it first.
Klean-Strip Aircraft Paint Remover
Klean-Strip Aircraft Paint Remover is a favorite in the aircraft maintenance industry. It can remove up to five layers of paint coats without damaging the aircraft metal, all with a simple brush and strip. The product is also budget-friendly because you don’t need to use as much of the product as others to get the job done.
The company offers a few different types of paint removers:
AIRCRAFT® ULTRA PAINT REMOVER, which boasts a 30-minute removal time. Here’s the general ingredient list for this aircraft ultra paint remover:
- Tetrahydrofuran (THF; Diethylene oxide; 1,4-Epoxybutane)
- Methanol (Methyl alcohol; Carbinol; Wood alcohol)
- Ammonia
- Xylene
Note: This product contains many hazardous materials with air pollution potential. Additionally, some aircraft maintenance experts recommend avoiding it if there’s a chance the product will contaminate large environmental areas like fields.
AIRCRAFT® NON-METHYLENE CHLORIDE PAINT REMOVER AEROSOL, which works as fast as 45 minutes with fewer chemicals. Here’s a quick list of ingredients:
- Tetrahydrofuran
- Acetone
- Liquified petroleum gas, sweetened {propane, isobutane, n-butane
- Ammonia
- Ethanol
Note: This aircraft paint remover spray/aerosol is highly flammable.
Materials you can use it on:
- Acrylics
- Lacquers
- Polyurethanes
- Baked enamels
- Metal
- Epoxies
- Fiberglass
- Flexible & Rigid Plastics
Where to buy:
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Sherman Williams
- Pepboys Auto
- Advance Auto Parts
- DK Hardware
Price:
$31.96 per quart at DK Hardware
Jasco Semi-Paste Premium Paint & Epoxy Remover
Jasco is a trusted supplier of paint removers and solvents with a couple of aircraft paint removers on today’s list. The semi-paste premium remover can remove multiple layers of paint in a shockingly quick 15 minutes and comes at an affordable price.
But buyer beware: the product web page lists a warning about a harmful chemical called ethylbenzene in the product, which may cause cancer. It’s also a flammable, corrosive product. The product contains the following ingredients:
- Acetone
- Methyl sulfoxide
- Xylene (mixed isomers)
- Ethylbenzene
- Oleic acid
- Alcohols
- ethoxylated Cumene
Keep in mind that despite the product’s claim to remove several layers of paint, aircraft maintenance professionals cite it as effective for a maximum of four coats.
Materials you can use it on:
- Wood
- Metal
- Concrete
- Masonry
Where to buy:
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Menards
- ACE Hardware
- True Value
- Do it Best
Price:
$45.97 per gallon at Home Depot
Jasco Premium Paint and Epoxy Remover Aerosol
Jasco’s Premium Paint and Epoxy Remover Aerosol is essentially a spray-on version of the previous product. Jasco assures that the aerosol can likewise remove multiple layers of paint. However, this aerosol contains harmful chemicals like ethylbenzene and methanol. The product contains the following ingredients:
- Dimethyl carbonate
- Methyl sulfoxide
- Xylene
- Liquified petroleum gas
- Ethylbenzene
- Alcohol ethoxylate
- Cumene
- Oleic acid
Materials you can use it on:
- Wood
- Metal
- Masonry
Where to buy:
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Menards
- ACE Hardware
- True Value
- Do it Best
Price:
$55.15 for one gallon at Home Depot
Rust-Oleum Aircraft Remover
Rust-Oleum® Aircraft Remover can sift through multiple paint layers if you don’t mind applying the product a few times. You can use Rust-Oleum’s aerosol paint remover for acrylics, lacquers, polyurethanes, and baked enamels. However, if you’re working with fiberglass or plastic, this isn’t the product for you.
Rust-Oleum’s remover is fast-acting, making it an efficient paint stripper for your aircraft. Unfortunately, it includes harmful chemicals like methyl acetate, dioxane, dimethyl ether, dimethoxymethane, and petroleum distillates.
Materials you can use it on:
- Paint
- Acrylic
- Lacquer
- Epoxy
- Polyurethane & more
Where to buy:
- Home Depot
- Advance Auto Parts
- Ace Hardware
- Lowe’s
- True Value
- Amazon
- Use their store locator online
Price:
Not listed online.
Safe n’ Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Stripping Tub
Also offered by CitrusStrip, the Safe n’ Easy Paint and Varnish Stripping Tub is known for removing multiple layers of latex, varnish, shellac, and oil-based paint while offering a fresh citrus scent.
The product clings to vertical surfaces without dripping and is safe to use indoors, making it a relatively risk-limited, environmentally-friendly product.
Materials you can use it on:
- Oil-based paint
- Latex-based paint
- Varnish
- Lacquer
- Polyurethane and shellac (wood)
- Metal and masonry surfaces
Where to buy:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Menards
- ACE Hardware
Price:
$61.86 per quart on Amazon
Aircraft Paint Remover & Stripper FAQS
How do you use aircraft paint removers?
Each aircraft paint remover has a label offering clear, detailed instructions on use methods. Here’s an example of the instructions provided by CitrusStrip for their varnish removing paste:
- Put on chemical-resistant gloves and chemical-splash goggles.
- Apply a thick coat of the paste onto the surface with a brush or stripping tool.
- Leave on for 30 minutes.
- Lightly scrape a small area to test if the paint is ready to come off.
- Use a plastic stripping tool first, and move onto an abrasive stripping pad for tough areas. You might even use a toothbrush or toothpick as well.
Remember, these instructions are general, but other removers might have slightly differing actions. For example, some removers require leaving the product on for one hour.
Also, almost all paint remover companies also offer safety instructions, including not to inhale the product and steps to take if you consume it. It’s often recommended to wear safety equipment when using.
What is aircraft paint remover or stripper made from?
Most aircraft paint removers have a unique combination of chemicals and ingredients. Some common ingredients include:
- Dimethyl carbonate
- Benzenemethanol (Benzyl alcohol)
- Ethanol
- Hydrotreated light distillate
- Alcohol ethoxylate
- Terpinolene
- Limonene
- Methyl sulfoxide
- Xylene
- Liquified petroleum gas
- Alcohol ethoxylate
- Cumene
- Oleic acid, compound with morpholine
- Acetone
- Methyl sulfoxide
- Ethylbenzene
- Oleic acid
- Cumene
How long does it take for aircraft paint strippers to work?
Aircraft strippers differ in duration, ranging from 15 minutes to one hour. You may also have to account for the time taken for multiple applications.
On what materials can you use airplane paint stripper?
Each of the best aircraft paint removers and strippers works on certain materials. You can use them on these surfaces, depending on the product:
- Oil-based paint
- Latex-based paint
- Varnish
- Lacquer
- Polyurethane and shellac (wood)
- Metal and masonry surfaces
- Aluminum
- Magnesium
- Stainless steel
- Carbon steel
- Cadmium-coated steel
- Titanium
Are paint thinner and paint remover the same thing?
No. Paint thinner thins out paint to make it easier to apply or remove, or to make for a smoother appearance. Paint remover strips paint back to the raw materials, preparing your aircraft for a repair or new paint job.
Conclusion: Southern Air Custom Interiors For All Your Aircraft Customization Needs
We hope this list helps illuminate the ups and downs of the best aircraft paint removers and strippers. Remember to always take safety precautions when using paint removers, such as wearing safety goggles, gloves, and masks.
If you still need support stripping paint from your aircraft, don’t worry. Leave the heavy lifting to Southern Air Custom Interiors, where we’re happy to make cosmetic changes or repairs to your jet or aircraft–from aircraft seat repair and expert aircraft carpeting to custom aircraft cabinets and more. We pride ourselves on offering impeccable aircraft maintenance, management, and customization services inside and outside your aircraft, so get in touch today!
