The effectiveness and adherence of a paint finish depend upon careful surface preparation. Before you begin to paint, you should remove all soils, lubricants, and preservatives from the surface. You should treat corroded areas and replace defective seam sealants. Corrosion control is covered in the Maintenance Ratings Fundamentals, 12010.

Paint removal should be accomplished by the mildest mechanical or chemical means. Paint removal operations at the organizational and intermediate maintenance levels are usually confined to small areas. Whenever you use paint remover, the procedures outlined in the applicable MIM should be observed. General stripping procedures are contained in Control, NA 01-1A-509.

All paint removers are toxic and caustic; therefore, both personnel and material safety precautions must be observed in their use. You should wear eye protection, gloves, and a rubber apron. MIL-R-81294 paint remover is an epoxy. This remover will strip acrylic and epoxy finishes satisfactorily. Acrylic windows, plastic surfaces, and rubber products are adversely affected by this material. This material should not be stocked in large quantities because it ages rapidly and degrades the results of stripping action.

Additional paint removers are discussed in NA 07-1-503. Each remover has a specific intended use. For example, MIL-R-81294 is used for removing epoxy finishes, but it may be damaging to synthetic rubber, while another nonflammable water soluble paint remover conforming to MIL-R-18553 is usable in contact with synthetic rubber. In all cases, you should use the remover that meets the requirements of the job.