Real Men Don't Paint...

[AlpineYoda]

If you were worried about corrosion, you could do some sections in patches, maybe on the underside or on an access piece, that you could peel off and replace every year or two to watch for corrosion, rather than risking the entire plane for a decade.

[rsr3]

Corrosion

Interesting - this I why I was wondering about surface prep before wrapping. Perhaps prime the surface before wrapping? Even then, a layer of film over it is going to stop it ?breathing?...? I really like the idea of it, especially having seen the range of colours and patterns you can get in vinyl. My only concern (well, alongside durability and wash-ability) is the corrosion issue. I suppose you can?t see what?s happening under the paint, either.

[Jpm757]

Since vinyl wrap is a relatively new process for aluminum aircraft, I will probably remove some vinyl from the belly within the next year or so to inspect the condition of the aluminum. It will be 3 years old this fall. Will keep you posted.

[chaskuss]

Originally Posted by Jpm757

Since vinyl wrap is a relatively new process for aluminum aircraft, I will probably remove some vinyl from the belly within the next year or so to inspect the condition of the aluminum. It will be 3 years old this fall. Will keep you posted.

Inspecting the belly skin "may" be simply inspecting an area which is not exposed to rain and other contaminates as much as the upper fuselage, leading edges etc. I would suggest inspecting other RVs to see where corrosion starts, then inspect in those areas.

As mentioned earlier, for those worried about corrosion, prime the plane first. Best would be to use a Mil Spec epoxy primer. If you prime the panels prior to riveting, priming will be MUCH easier. That is because you can lay each panel down horizontally. For the beginner painter it's a lot harder to get a run or screw up when painting horizontal surfaces. Priming individual panels also eliminates the need for a paint booth. You can do the priming in your driveway on a calm [no wind] early morning. It also helps to wet the ground around where you will paint. The water will keep down any dust.

Charlie

[chaskuss]

Originally Posted by rsr3

Corrosion

snipped Even then, a layer of film over it is going to stop it ?breathing?...?snipped My only concern (well, alongside durability and wash-ability) is the corrosion issue. I suppose you can?t see what?s happening under the paint, either.

I'm old enough to remember vinyl tops on cars back in the 1970s. You notice that is no longer popular. The manufacturers applied the vinyl tops over bare steel. The rust and corrosion under the vinyl caused many cars to go to the scrap yard. Nicks, seams and chips will allow moisture a way in.

Corrosion under paint will cause the paint to bubble. That is the tell tale sign you have a corrosion problem with paint.

Charlie

[wirejock]

I alodined the exterior and plan to start vinyl as soon as 3M releases my color in 2080.

[Piper J3]

Here is spec sheet for 3M 2080... https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/...eries-2080.pdf

[NinerBikes]

Originally Posted by wirejock

I alodined the exterior and plan to start vinyl as soon as 3M releases my color in 2080.

LOL! Will you still be flying then ? j/k!

[wirejock]

Originally Posted by NinerBikes

LOL! Will you still be flying then ? j/k!

I'm still in canopy purgatory. I think I have time.

[brucehatch]

Can an air frame that is coated in vinyl be treated later internally with products such as Corrosion X or ACF-50 without harm to the vinyl? Has anyone had experience applying either of these products to a vinyl covered aircraft?