Primer - What type is best for RV-10 Empennage
 

I'm starting my empenage and am ready to begin priming parts.. I'm curious as to what's all needed to prime.. and what primer is the best and easiest to use.. I'd prefer a single water based cleanup solution to prime the internal parts of the Empenage.. I've heard of some out there (? Watkins??? ) that are easy to use.

so, for all you builders -what should I get to CLEAN the parts before priming and what's the best, light primer to be used on the internal/inside parts for the empenage, fuse, etc.

Thanks!!!

Ken

You're a brave soul to ask a question like that! I'm sure you'll get a different answer for every 2 members, but I'll tell you what I did for my -7.

To clean I started using MEK, but switched to Acetone because I felt it was less toxic (they use it in nail polish remover), then washed with Dawn dish detergent, rinsed well. Then etched with Alumiprep. Then Alodined. Then primed with Akzo.

Unfortunately, the best protection is also the most toxic, so you pay your money and take your choice. I was sold after an A&P ran a file (lightly) over a piece of scrap he primed with Akzo. He didn't bear down on the file of course, but the file didn't remove the primer. By contrast, I tried the self-etch spray can stuff. That came off with a rag wet with alcohol. So I think the Akzo slogan should be, "...let no man put asunder".

Good luck with whatever you choose.

You may not fet a lot of activity on this, since it has been beat to death in other threads. I suggest you do a Thread search. on "primer". You will find many diffrent opinions and products used.
As for me I did not prime the inside of my RV-8. On the 10 I have been using the same stuff Vans uses Sherwin Williams wash primer.
Good luck
Chad
RV-8 flying
RV10 building

Water bourne Primer
 

I at the same stage you are, and I've decided to go with Stewart Systems. They have a line called Eko-etch and Ekoprime that seems good.

Thanks so much... I tried a thread search but didnt get much results.. I'll try again , could have been a typo, it was late LOL :)

I've heard of Stewart systems.. Have you found it easy to use?? I'll research a bit and go from there . I guess one can't go wrong w/ following VANs suggestions either..

Thanks so much!

If you choose Sherwin Williams products...
 

For bare aluminum, use an etching primer E2G980 or E2G973 vinyl wash primer first, then a urethane primer P30 or sealer P30 with S41 converter and then topcoat with Genesis single stage.
That will provide a durable finish that will last for years. Other vendors use similar technology which is also good. For the best results, stay with one vendor's "system".

Make sure you wear gloves and a forced air respirator with etching products and paint. There's some pretty nasty chemicals in these products.

A good compromise for Priming
 

What I did which seemed to be easy, safe and gave good results was to clean the bare aluminum with scotchbrite and lots of Comet to remove oil and scuff the surface. make sure the water sheets rather than breaks up to confirm its clean. Then spray with a cheapo harbor freight gun using Variprime. I mix the variprime right in the gun cup, the clear part is an etch and the ratio isnt too important. When I first started building I used to etch, alodine then prime but after experimenting and testing by burying test pieces in the garden for 2 years or so it didnt make much difference.
A good thing about variprime is that any Dupont paint can go over it. being a lazy cheepskate I used Dupond Nason enamel which looks great.