Freds 73 Scamp restore on a budget

I have know idea why paint has to be so light weight on a plane.
My idea was to strip the paint on the plane with chemical stripper then clean the aluminum with a scratch pad and prep solvent then epoxy prime and single stage paint.
I know to stay away from sanding on rivets from the little that I know but what do you guys think does that sound right? And will check on paint from the local PPG rep.