Primer?

[Mike Betti]

Hi all,
I'm new to this group, from Upper MI, and planning on getting my Elite
kit later this month. I hope I can get help here, not exactly being a
Rebel builder. I'm kind of in the research stage for tools needed and
this primer thing. I have never seen primer used in other common
airplane kits, such as Vans. Is there a reason for this primer between
all the rivet joints? I have a Cessna and it's just bare aluminum
everywhere inside and no corrosion yet. Would this just be a good
practice for airplanes ending up in coastal enviroments someday or is
the aluminum grade used here more suseptable? I like the recent post on
the aerosal cans of Tempo primer, that would be more user friendly if
it's as effective.
Does anyone have a good list of special tools required for this project?
Thanks,
Mike Betti




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[Ken]

Hi Mike

The 6061 is more resistant to corrosion than the 2xxx of your cessna but
nevertheless the area most likely to corrode is any enclosed space
between joints that can accumulate moisture and any dissimilar metal
joints. A primer is therefore recommended in the joints and epoxy
primers are often recommended due to their excellant adhesion to
aluminum. It may add to resale value for a knowledgable buyer and might
even strengthen the joint a bit . Corrosion is certainly a concern on
the older cessna's that I've seen. I would consider it essential to
prime any steel to aluminum joint.

Aerosol cans of primer generally do not adhere near as well or near as
long but I think it is safe to say that any aluminum compatible primer
is way better than nothing in the joints. BobP has mentioned in the
archives about spray can primer flaking off problems on interior panels.

I believe many of the guys operating in or near saltwater prime all the
interior surfaces with a very thin spray coat of primer.

An archive search should find a couple of threads on favorite tools as
that comes up regularly. Ask any questions that come to mind as there is
lots of help here.

Ken

Mike Betti wrote:

Hi all,
I'm new to this group, from Upper MI, and planning on getting my Elite
kit later this month. I hope I can get help here, not exactly being a
Rebel builder. I'm kind of in the research stage for tools needed and
this primer thing. I have never seen primer used in other common
airplane kits, such as Vans. Is there a reason for this primer between
all the rivet joints? I have a Cessna and it's just bare aluminum
everywhere inside and no corrosion yet. Would this just be a good
practice for airplanes ending up in coastal enviroments someday or is
the aluminum grade used here more suseptable? I like the recent post on
the aerosal cans of Tempo primer, that would be more user friendly if
it's as effective.
Does anyone have a good list of special tools required for this project?
Thanks,
Mike Betti

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[Rich Dodson]

I will echo the comments below. I am in the Navy (U.S.) type and have spent a lot of time around salt-air. I also have observed the effects of salt-air on aluminum up close for 20 years. If you plan to take the plane anywhere near salt-water (the coasts or landing it there on floats), I highly recommend at least a good:
a. acid etch
b. Alodine
c. Epoxy primer
On all interior surfaces (and of course, on the exterior surfaces prior to painting.)
Now, for the really serious builder who is anal about corrosion. I spoke with a friend who is an A&P/IA on oil rig helos in the Gulf of Mexico. They also paint the interior surfaces of the helos white. When you shine a light down a white interior surface at a low angle, any corrosion will leave shadows because it makes ridges.
Since I am stationed on the East Coast, this will be my plan.
Rich



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