Discoloration under protective film

[akmillman]

Was removing protective film from wing skin and small areas were difficult to get off. There seems to a white and grey discoloration on the skin. I easily sanded it off where it slides under the tank skin, but I sure don't want to do that anywhere else. MEK wouldn't touch it.

This has been siting around for 15 years.

Does anyone have an idea of what it is and what can be done for it

Brad

[Expatnz]

It is the adhesive from the plastic. Very hard to get off. I use a heat gun when removing old layers and it comes off clean with no residue.

[Jerry Folkerts]

My Super Rebel sat in a box for 12 years in an uncontrolled environment. I did have a few spots where there was some very light surface corrosion. I simply scuffed with a 3M scotchbrite pad, cleaned and primed. If you haven't seen other posts, get yourself several different diameters and lengths of PVC pipe, it works great in removing plastic. Just work up a corner, wrap around the pipe, and start rolling. Much easier than pulling with your fingers.
Best,
Jerry

[akmillman]

Jerry,

Does look like corrosion to me. When you refer to priming, is that before pre paint priming or some other priming. Do I try to remove now or wait until I'm ready to paint.

Thanks for the pipe tip

Brad

[Elite773]

If you haven't seen other posts, get yourself several different diameters and lengths of PVC pipe, it works great in removing plastic. Just work up a corner, wrap around the pipe, and start rolling. Much easier than pulling with your fingers.
Best,
Jerry

Or you can get a length of steel rod small enough to be chucked in your portable electric variable speed drill.

[Coastflyer]

Could just be oxidation where the metal has been exposed to air where the plastic bubbled up. No problem, don't worry about it.