[VAC] Re: Airstream Paint Removal

[RJ & Krista <radiodial@xxxxxxxx>]

Michael,
The fact that you say "few layers" tell me that someone has painted over
the original "Zolotone" paint finish (blasphemers!).  The Zolotone is
bullet proof stuff as many people have found out.  Not knowing the
condition of the rest of the interior, I'd say in normal conditions it
would be easiest to remove the cabinetry and appliances and strip the
interior skin using a citrus based stripper (hardware & home stores),
especially if someone painted the wood cabinets, too.  

If the cabinets are still OK, then masking them off would do.  Apply the
stripper with a sponge, and then remove the stripper and paint goo
(paper towels, steel wool, scrub pads, try them all).  Repeat until you
have removed the outer layer of paint.  It is very doubtful that you'll
be able to completely remove all the Zolotone without taking forever.  I
wouldn't try, I'd stop there and re-apply Zolotone in your choice of
colors - it is good stuff.  Hides minor imperfections and has texture,
personality and color that a single color paint can't match. 

There were two standard base colors used back then, a light green
("Tender Green") and a beige (unknown).  The sales brochures say that
Airstream would custom paint any available color combination of your
choice.   If you don't like the colors that came with the trailers in
the '40's -'60's, it is considered "OK" to go with any of the combos. (
http://www.autobodysupply.net/Zolatonecolors.htm )

You need a good paint sprayer, and practice first.  I repaired the
interior finish on our trailer, and with the left over paint have
painted patio furniture and a few cabinets.  Matching the originak
pattern was the hardest, as the texture coat result is technique
dependent.  I've seen same model and year trailers with totally
different application styles and results.  On the new applications I was
able to develop my own style - turned out pretty nice.  They use this
stuff in hot rods nowadays and in car trunks and truck beds.  Pretty
good for a 70 year old product.

Best of luck,
RJ