Light Aircraft Association

Please could you tell me the approved method or product for removing paint from aluminium surfaces (square section tube and plate) without scoring, scratching or in anyway undermining the strength of an airframe?

Thank you

Depends what type of paint you are trying to remove.
Most two pack paint can't (easily) be removed except by mechanical means.

If the paint is cellulose (or similar) then use professional paint stripper that contains methylene chloride. It is still available if you are a "professional/industrial" user.
Rinse well with water after paint has been removed.

The original Nitromors paint stripper used to contain methylene chloride but the modern, eco friendly, version doesn't and won't touch cellulose.

If you need to strip small parts then media blasting is an alternative. Various blasting media is used depending on what paint is being removed from what base metal.
Hope this helps.
Tony

For small items I soak them in cheap thinners (gun wash) - it normally softens everything except 2 part epoxy - for larger areas an old towel soaked in said thinners spread over the area does the job. When the paint is soft, or even flaking, remove with a soft scraper and finish gently with a maroon Scotch Brite pad. Not as messy as using stripper and water.