Has anybody applied any kind of paint or primer onto their 2 1/2" spars before applying your covering material?
Is there a possible long term corrosion issue that needs to be prevented ahead of time.
How about painting the elevator control pushrod or the lift struts?
I know this is all thin wall tubing so I am wondering if this needs to be addressed.
Any good recommendations for what brand of paint or primer to use?
Thanks Guys!
We are in the process of testing a new email notification system. Our forum email service has been down for some time. This system allows you to send messages to other forum members, sends an email when a post you're following changes, and other notices that are sent via email. Hopefully this new system will continue to work properly. So if you're interested in a particular post, you can now follow it and be notified when it changes or a new message is posted. That's rather nice, instead of having to check every few days to see if something new has been added. There is also another upgrade to the forum version. Only minor changes, but it's always best to get these changes made. We'll get to that as soon as possible. You can hide this announcement now that you've read it by clicking on the little "X" in the upper right corner of the announcement window. Thanks for being a member. We appreciate your participation.
Anybody Paint their Wing Spars??
Moderators: Badland-F5 Pilot, LA F2 Flyer
-
- Posts: 213
- Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2023 5:15 pm
Re: Anybody Paint their Wing Spars??
If you are using Oratex, then the paint/primer needs to be compatible with the glue. Best to ask Oratex. Most alum used in aircraft construction is already protected somewhat, with the exception being saltwater. If I paint the tubing, I always use the primer recommended by the covering system.
Re: Anybody Paint their Wing Spars??
I spray or brush everything that gets fabrib with Stewart's System EkoPrime. Highly recommended. All of the other exposed aluminum I either clear coat or primer/paint 

-
- Site Admin
- Posts: 639
- Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2021 10:12 pm
- Location: Los Angeles
Re: Anybody Paint their Wing Spars??
I left all aluminum unpainted in the interest of saving weight. I have not seen any issues as of yet with corrosion nor with glue bonding.
Re: Anybody Paint their Wing Spars??
Same here ... no primer or paint on the aluminum spars. I did prime and paint (to match the white airframe) the struts (lift and jury) and the exposed elevator control tube ... also the solid aluminum tailwheel tube (spring ?).