What to do with dirty aluminum

rwagner24 · #1 12-25-2011, 07:36 AM

Hey all,

This is my first real "getting ready to build post". I bought a RV8 quick build kit from a guy that had it stored in a hangar for 10 years. Other than the whole thing being dirty its in great shape. The surfaces on the wings and fuse are not shiny and have a little staining. How should I clean everything? I tried rubbing the surface lightly with water and a little dish soap and it dosen't come off. Thanks for any help. I hope this image posting works......http://<a href="http://s1116.photobu... alt="" /></a>

rwagner24 · #2 12-25-2011, 07:37 AM

Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

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Flyguytki · #3 12-25-2011, 07:57 AM

You could try either the Simple Green Designed for Aircraft or MEK, MEK has removed just about everything i have put it on so im sure it would clean that right up.

-david

Mel · #4 12-25-2011, 08:02 AM

Before you resort to MEK, try lacquer thinner. It will take off most anything that MEK will, and it's not nearly as "nasty".

Dave62 · #5 12-25-2011, 08:04 AM

Are you going to paint the airplane? You can not remove stains from aluminum without using acid etch or a mechanical means. If you are going to paint just leave any stains until you are ready to prime. Obviously clean and remove all dirt from the aluminum surface now.

If you are going to polish then there are several methods that are used. Acid etch being one and very fine paper....2000 grit being another....and then buff and polish.
Dave (Swift Driver)

rwagner24 · #6 12-25-2011, 08:12 AM

Yes the plan is to paint it but obviously it will be awhile. I will try the thinner. Thanks!!

rwagner24 · #7 12-25-2011, 08:29 AM

Hey Guys,

I have a gallon of MEK on hand so I put some on a rag and tried cleaning a couple spots. It takes the surface dirt off but there are some bird droppings that have stained it and wont come off. Also the white staining you see in the wing pic dosent really come off. Should I just clean everything and not worry about it till it is time for primer?

Mel · #8 12-25-2011, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwagner24

Should I just clean everything and not worry about it till it is time for primer?

Yep! That'll work.

bird · #9 12-25-2011, 08:52 AM

The white stuff might be light surface corrosion, or deposits from getting wet. nothing to worry about, can't really see it that good in pic. If it is, check to see what the inside looks like? Is it shiny or the same white look. The outside can be cleaned up now or later with a little scotch brite and some elbow grease. Don't over rub it at this point. You don't want to remove too much of the clad coating. Later on in the build, you are planning on painting, so it will be treated and really cleaned with some prekote or some other etching so I wouldn't worry too much about it now. BTW, what kind of environment has it been in? Humid? By the ocean? Dry climate?

bird

rhill · #10 12-25-2011, 08:55 AM

Short answer Yes. I polished mine for partial paint,downside is everybody has to touch it,they cant help it,they just have to! You paid a lot of money and you want it to look like something wile your working on it,you will change your mind a thousand times before your done so polishing is a good option.