I used a chemical paint remover (made sure it did not harm alu of course, it was safe for use on wood). Lightly sanded the frame, used the remover and then wiped off the bubbled paint. A wire brush helped along the welds. Once the paint was removed, rubbed a rag with a little paint thinner on it to make sure all the chemical peeler was removed. Steel wooled the frame for the shine and left it. No clear was used.