Sanding Fabric

[SkyHigh]

Is it possible to sand off an old layer of paint? A previous owner painted my plane with automotive paint and it looks bad. I can't cut it with MEK and my mechanic tells me that the fabric underneath is sound. A stronger paint remover would most likely damage the fabric. What should I do?

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Sanding Fabric

Skyhigh... Sorry but a recover is in order if you cannot live with the uglys. Sanding old automotive paint is impossible. The enamel that they probably used (automotive right?...probably done in the 70s or early 80s) will not sand. My opinion and experience... others here will give you some free advice too I am sure..... sooo
If the paint is so severe that fabric is showing ,you will at least need to touch up but this is touchy also (no pun intended). Best of luck with it, I say live with it untill you just cant stand it or the fabric is in danger of over exposure.