Stripping paint from fiberglass parts

[wannawangan]

What's the best way to do this without using sandpaper? I intended on using aircraft stripper but several online articles suggested that it would be a bad idea because it would dissolve the gel coat and potentially break up the fiber and matrix material.

Any suggestions?

[Slipstream]

You could try soda blasting it. Or just use an orbital air palm sander.

[wannawangan]

I've heard about soda blasting. What is this soda stuff? Sodium bicarbonate? Coke or Pepsi?

I don't have access to a paint sprayer. I may try some of this supposed bio-friendly gunk I saw earlier.

[Ligouri Rd]

Use a paint stripper intended to work on fibreglass boats. Something water soluable helps too so you can rinse it off. Its a little time consuming but much less effort than sanding.

[Slipstream]

I've heard about soda blasting. What is this soda stuff? Sodium bicarbonate? Coke or Pepsi?

It's like a baking soda type powder. Just heavier. It will remove the paint without damaging the finish of the metal/fiberglass. You'd have to cover and be careful with your windows cause the air pressure from the blast can blow them out, but fast and effective. You can even wash away the blast material with a water hose.