What is the wet napkin method?

• A. Pieces of cloth cut to shape, saturated in a solvent and kept in contact with the surface being stripped.
• B. Absorbent material is saturated and kept in contact with the surface, without shaping.
• C. Cloth is dried and used to wipe.
• D. The method uses high-pressure spray.

Answer: (A)

The wet napkin method relies on using solvent-saturated cloth pieces placed directly on the surface so the solvent is in close, continuous contact with the material being removed. By cutting the cloth to fit the area and keeping it pressed in place for a dwell period, the solvent penetrates and softens the coating or corrosion product, making it easier to lift away with subsequent wiping. This approach focuses the solvent where it's needed, conforms to irregular shapes, and minimizes solvent loss through run-off, which is why it’s preferred for controlled surface stripping on aircraft parts. The other ideas describe either a dry wipe, no shaping, or a spray method, which do not provide the same sustained, localized contact essential to the wet napkin technique.