Hi folks, I've just repaired a couple of planes and want to re-paint the fusalages but there is some fuel residue which wont shift, just wondering whats the best way to clean up so I can paint them again..Thanks
Phil

Depending on the original finish, you could try some enamel reducer (what auto body shops use to clean before spraying).

Thanks for those suggestions, I don't think 'Windex' is available here in the uk, so will go try the liquid dishwasher soap...cheers Phil 

I wouldn't use any product that has ammonia in it. Some Windex products do.

It's simple, pretend your airplane is a car. Walk into any local Body Shop and ask what they use.

My guess, the guy will walk you over to a cabinet, take out a gallon can of a "Prep" cleaner of some nature and start to describe it.

This is when you take out the container you just happen to have with you.

Betcha he'll fill it! Each Brand calls it something different, most are all the same.

Charles

Is there an "Original Formula" Windex that does not contain ammonia? Does it matter? All the "Original Formula" bottles on my grocer's shelves have it.

There are chemicals designed for cleaning a surface that is to be painted. Not secretely Sold in Auto Body Supply Stores. Go in and ask for a product that will clean a surface that is prepaired to except paint.

They won't give you Ammonia.   

Charles

There are chemicals designed for cleaning a surface that is to be painted. Not secretely Sold in Auto Body Supply Stores. Go in and ask for a product that will clean a surface that is prepaired to except paint.

They won't give you Ammonia.   

Charles

I have used three different companies (PPG, Dupont, and Sikkens) cleaning products for automotive work.  The Windex does just as good, and cheaper.  One of the very best products I have used is a windshield cleaner sold in truck stops which foams.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

I certainly will not dispute that Phil makes very very good use of Windex to clean. I have used it too.
there are specialty chemicals available for cleaning surfaces. I have created more problems with some of them than I have solved. The only one I really like is Sikkens Wax and grease remover, ( I seem to recall its M600 ?) That said, when I have a surface ready to spray,, then get all my color on it, I really try hard not to touch it with anything at all prior to clearing it. If I feel the need to, I will use a water based cleaner, or windex,, ( this by the way is in a commercial enviroment) certain products I have never trusted, PPG DX 330 is one that comes to mind, has given me FITS.
ONe thing people dont understand about "cleaning for paint' is that you need to envision the contaminants as tiny ball bearings. visualize dropping a gallon jug of ball bearings on a gym floor, then try to sweep them up..The only way to really clean a surface is to flood it with a generous amount of liquid cleaner,, enough to float the contaminants ( emulsifying those that need dissolving) and then with LOTS of lint free paper towels, wipe the liquid OFF the edge of a surface, pushing all the contaminants off like you were squeegying the ball bearings off the gym floor.

The main area of concern for me is that some area might not be really sealed well.  Then Windex and the others that are water based or have water in them will get to raw wood and swell, warp, etc.. 

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM