I have been in the heavy jet overhaul business for 42 years, mostly as a structures specialist, dealing with corrosion control and aging aircraft extensively. I know most GA aircraft came unprimed, and I also as an IA keep up with a bunch of them too. Corrosion is no ones friend..especially in costal regions. When I built my -4 years ago, I didn't even question priming, as its in my blood to do it. I even primed the inside of every hole..yep. I use 2 part fluid resistant primer (Akzo and the likes), overthinned for extremely light weight penalty. Small parts are sprayed, inner skin surfaces rolled with a smooth foam cabinet roller. I can bet I added very little weight, and I know nothing will ever corrode. To me, I spent very little additional time, as I would prime large batches of prepared parts. All bolt holes were swabbed with a Q tip to cover the inside edges which is the root of all corrosion evil. Overkill maybe, but I couldn't sleep with out doing it this way.
It is your plane, do whatever you like to do with it.
Hello,
I am curious to why if you chose to prime, many times people only prime the "mating" surfaces and don't prime the entire thing? Is there a benefit to it? I will be starting my build and live in Maryland right on the Chesapeake bay (W29).
I appreciate all the comments.
Our rv8 is a little over 20 years old. I had to reskin the rudder a few a years ago and while the inside was clean I found corrosion underneath the stiffeners when I removed them. The airplane has always lived in a hanger in Wisconsin.
I completely agree, I just want to know the "pro's" and "con's" to both so that I make an educated decision, rather than a "its my plane i'll do what I want" decision.It is your plane, do whatever you like to do with it.
Are you saying they did or didn't have primer on the surfaces?