Place a drop cloth on the floor of your work area to catch any accidental spills. Open windows and doors to ventilate the room if you are working indoors.
Wash the aluminum using a sponge soaked in soapy water and rinse it with plain water. Dry the aluminum with a towel.
Extinguish open flames, such as burning candles or lit cigarettes. Put on safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves.
Spray lacquer remover spray over the aluminum or brush it on if you are not using a spray can. Wait for the amount of time indicated on the label.
Scrub the aluminum with a rough sponge to remove the lacquer. Rinse the product off the aluminum using the substance suggested on the label; this may simply be plain water, depending on the remover you use.