VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Main > RV General Discussion/News
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Today's Posts

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-25-2013, 05:24 PM
dspender dspender is offline
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Bay City, MI
Posts: 421
Default tank sealant cleanup

I searched for this thread knowing others have had a similar question but I saw no answers. I used tank sealant today to close up the aft portion of my 10 Rudder. Instructions say to set it aside for a couple of days. What is the recommendation for cleanup of clecos , tools, rudder skin, etc?
__________________
Dennis
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-25-2013, 05:45 PM
YellowJacket RV9 YellowJacket RV9 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL KCLW
Posts: 1,281
Default

Having just finished a tank I have mor experience than I'd like....

MEK is the big gun, but it is NASTY. Have breathing protection and lots of ventilation. A little wiping will remove even dried sealant if its just smeared on the skin.

Lacquer thinner is what I use for sealant that is still wet or not as stubborn. Still not nice studf but not nearly as nasty as MEK.

On a side note, I left the proseal on a lot of clecos and they still work great AND don't scratch aluminum going in. They oughta make em that way.

Lastly, fast orange hand cleaner works fairly well with some scrubbing. I gave up on gloves after the 50th pair in 5 minutes and just clean my hands up at the end of each session.

Chris
__________________
Chris Johnson
RV-9A - Done(ish) 4/5/16! Flying 4/7/16

Last edited by YellowJacket RV9 : 05-25-2013 at 05:49 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-25-2013, 05:46 PM
Randy Hooper Randy Hooper is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 227
Default

Lacquer Thinner, Acetone, MEK all work.
__________________
Randy Hooper
RV-8
N84H
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-25-2013, 05:47 PM
Randy Hooper Randy Hooper is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 227
Default

Lacquer Thinner, Acetone, MEK all work. Before it sets that is..
__________________
Randy Hooper
RV-8
N84H
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-25-2013, 05:58 PM
dspender dspender is offline
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Bay City, MI
Posts: 421
Default

What is MEK and where can I get it?
__________________
Dennis
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-25-2013, 06:03 PM
YellowJacket RV9 YellowJacket RV9 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL KCLW
Posts: 1,281
Default

Methyl ethyl ketone, available by the paint thinners at the hardware store.

Chris
__________________
Chris Johnson
RV-9A - Done(ish) 4/5/16! Flying 4/7/16
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 05-25-2013, 06:27 PM
longranger's Avatar
longranger longranger is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: 45G, Brighton, MI
Posts: 1,867
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by YellowJacket RV9 View Post
Methyl ethyl ketone, available by the paint thinners at the hardware store.

Chris
Unless you live in California, and some other states, I hear. I'm down to my last pint, and may have to smuggle some in on my trip "back east" this summer.
__________________
Miles (VAF# 1238, Paid up as of 2018)
RV-7 TU 904KM (reserved)
Wings Fitted and Finish Kit on site

Construction Log
Picasa: Empennage Album, Wings Album, Fuselage Album

1955 Cessna 170B flying since 1982

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' -Unk.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-25-2013, 08:18 PM
fixnflyguy fixnflyguy is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Winston-Salem, N.C.
Posts: 1,213
Default MEK....

Nothing like the smell of MEK in the morning.....really. It is the best, but use it outside, or with respiration. No better cleaner/solvent.
__________________
Bill E.
RV-4/N76WE
8A7 / Advance NC
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-25-2013, 09:42 PM
rapid_ascent rapid_ascent is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Dublin, CA
Posts: 1,261
Default

Miles,

You can still get MEK in California, just not at Home Depot. I found it at the Frazee paint store.
__________________
Ray Tonks
2020 Donation Paid
Titan IOX-370, Dual PMAGs, 9.6:1 Pistons, FM-150
RV-7 Fuselage in progress
* Cabin Interior - In progress
RV-7 SB Wings
* Both Wings fully skinned
* Fuel Tanks Complete - No leaks finally
* Ailerons Complete
* Flaps Complete
RV-7 Empennage - Complete (a little fiberglass work left)
Vans Training Kit # 2 - Complete
RV-7 Preview Plans
Vans Training Kit #1 - Complete
EAA Sheet Metal Class - Complete
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-25-2013, 09:52 PM
N941WR's Avatar
N941WR N941WR is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SC
Posts: 12,887
Default

DO NOT use MEK to clean up your tanks!

When I had my plane down for the engine swap, I used some MEK to clean up some tank sealant on the top of the left tank in preparation for painting.

Wouldn't you know it, I have about six rivets on the top of that tank that have paint bubbles. (I'm in the process of fixing them now.)

No bubbles on the bottom of that tank and none on the right tank.

The only place I cleaned up the proseal with MEK is on the top of the left tank.

Some will say that isn't the cause but I disagree. Besides, why risk it.

Sand off the excess sealant and paint over it.
__________________
Bill R.
RV-9 (Yes, it's a dragon tail)
O-360 w/ dual P-mags
Build the plane you want, not the plane others want you to build!
SC86 - Easley, SC
www.repucci.com/bill/baf.html
Reply With Quote
Reply



Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:16 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.