Definition
Chemical solvents used to remove paint from aircraft surfaces during refinishing. On composite structures, traditional paint strippers can soak into and chemically attack the resin matrix, weakening or destroying the composite, so only approved methods and chemicals may be used.
Plain English
Liquids that dissolve old paint so it can be wiped or scraped off. The problem on composite aircraft is that the same chemicals can also damage the plastic-and-fiber material underneath the paint.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance and repainting discussions, especially when working with composite parts.
Why Pilots Care
Using incompatible paint strippers on composites can cause hidden internal damage that weakens the structure without obvious surface signs, affecting airworthiness.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a paint stripper only affects paint. On composite aircraft, an unapproved stripper can also attack the material underneath the paint.
Example Sentence 1
The shop used only the manufacturer-approved process for removing the old finish, because traditional paint strippers would have damaged the composite fuselage.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance manuals warn against chemical paint strippers on carbon-fiber components because they may compromise structural integrity.