In general, any complete corrosion treatment involves the following: (1) Cleaning and stripping of the corroded area, (2) removing as much of the corrosion products as practicable, (3) neutralizing any residual materials remaining in pits and crevices, (4) restoring protective surface films, and (5) applying temporary or permanent coatings or paint finishes.

The following paragraphs deal with the correction of corrosive attack on aircraft surface and components where deterioration has not progressed to the point requiring rework or structural repair of the part involved.

Surface Cleaning and Paint Removal

The removal of corrosion necessarily includes removal of surface finishes covering the attacked or suspected area. In order to assure maximum efficiency of the stripping compound, the area must be cleaned of grease, oil, dirt, or preservatives. This preliminary cleaning operation is also an aid in determining the extent of corrosion spread, since the stripping operation will be held to the minimum consistent with full exposure of the corrosion damage. Extensive corrosion spread on any panel should be corrected by fully treating the entire section.

The selection of the type of materials to be used in cleaning will depend on the nature of the matter to be removed. Dry cleaning solvent may be used for removing oil, grease, or soft preservative compounds. For heavy duty removal of thick or dried preservatives, other compounds of the solvent emulsion type are available.

The use of a general purpose, water rinsable stripper is recommended for most applications. Wherever practicable, paint removal from any large area should be accomplished outside (in open air) and preferably in shaded areas. If inside removal is necessary, adequate ventilation must be assured. Synthetic rubber surfaces, including aircraft tires, fabric, and acrylics, must be thoroughly protected against possible contact with paint remover. Care must also be exercised in using paint remover. Care must also be exercised in using paint remover around gas or watertight seam sealants, since this material will tend to soften and destroy the integrity of these sealants.

Mask off any opening that would permit the stripping compound to get into aircraft interiors or critical cavities. Paint stripper is toxic and contains ingredients harmful to both skin and eyes. Rubber gloves, aprons of acid repellent material, and goggle-type eyeglasses should be worn if any extensive paint removal is to be accomplished. The following is a general stripping procedure:

1. Brush the entire area to be stripped with a cover of stripper to a depth of 1/32 to 1/16 inch. Any paint brush makes a satisfactory applicator, except that the bristles will be loosened by the effect of paint remover on the binder, and the brush should not be used for other purposes after being exposed to paint remover.

2. Allow the stripper to remain on the surface for a sufficient length of time to wrinkle and lift the paint. This may be from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on both the temperature and humidity, and the condition of the paint coat being removed. Scrub the surface with a bristle brush saturated with paint remover to further loosen finish that may still be adhering to the metal.

3. Reapply the stripper as necessary in areas that remain tight or where the material has dried, and repeat the above process. Only nonmetallic scrapers may be used to assist in removing persistent paint finishes.

4. Remove the loosened paint and residual stripper by washing and scrubbing the surface with water and a broom or brush. If water spray is available, use a low to medium pressure stream of water directly on the scrubbing broom or brush. If steam cleaning equipment is available and the area is sufficiently large, cleaning may be accomplished using this equipment together with a solution of steam cleaning compound. On small areas, any method may be used that will assure complete rinsing of the cleaned area.