Self etching primer and polished aluminum

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Well the project creep continues. Early in the year our headliner gave up and began falling of the rods. My partner proclaimed it time to replace. So of course the headliner came out and a new one ordered. I proclaimed it time for shoulder harnesses which were ordered.

Of course then we should replace all the coax, remove, clean and reinstall all the antennas, do something with the wiring and of course clean and ready the hidden dome light for reinstall. Oh yes and fix the headliner bow installation so the headliner can be installed correctly. And while we are at it the fuel vent neck is corroded so that needed removal, cleaning and reinstall with new fuel vent hose. And then there were a few patchs from old antenna to remove and reinstall with sealer under them. Then our windshield cracked.

So yestarday we started the install of our new windshield. We went with the LP strapless model which requires removal and reinstall of the top window flange. And of course as Mile's posted in a picture, standing up in the airplane without the windshield in gives great access to the top center of the fuselage. What better time to start to strip the paint that for the most part has already started to depart the airplane.

Which brings me to the point of the thread. While in our heart we would love to have a polished plane, we know better. And so we are thinking about a primer for the now bare overhead panel of the fuselage. But in keeping with my philosophy of not doing anything to these airplanes that can not be undone by the next owner, I'm wondering. If I prime the plane with a self etching primer, will the next guy be able to strip the paint and polish the plane?

I've used self etching primer before but never stripped it. So has anyone else and do you think it will stop a future nut with a Cyclone polisher, Nuvite and a lot of time?

[bagarre]

What about just using Alodine 1001 on the metal?
Does it really need primed at that point?

[edbooth]

You've gone this far Bruce, why not just go for a total restoration????

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

I'll let you know when we find the bottom or more likely run out of time in the hanger we are borrowing. The latest added job before the headliner goes in is we need to remove the trailing wing fairings and clean the dirt and debris that has accumulated in them, out. And I'll bet there is some corrosion under there to be dealt with as well.

As for the paint I may just have to test some of the etching primers on a piece of scrap by spraying then removing and polishing. Or maybe I'll just stop thinking about it and use it.

[3958v]

Bruce I don't think it will be a problem. My plane was painted with Imron and it was still in good shape prior to my stripping it. I did not have any problem polishing the bare aluminum once the paint was strpped. There were some areas where I belive some acid etch or alodine dripped prior to painting and they took a little longer to polish but they eventually disappeared too. Bill K

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

What about just using Alodine 1001 on the metal?
Does it really need primed at that point?

Well considering Alodine, even in the longest stretch of the imagination, is not green, yes some kind of green paint needs to be applied.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Bruce I don't think it will be a problem. My plane was painted with Imron and it was still in good shape prior to my stripping it. I did not have any problem polishing the bare aluminum once the paint was strpped. There were some areas where I belive some acid etch or alodine dripped prior to painting and they took a little longer to polish but they eventually disappeared too. Bill K

Thanks Bill. While it would only be in the weakest of moments that I'd ever strip the my plane with the intent to polish, there is some comfort knowing I probably could.