Anybody Paint their Wing Spars??

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Bruce_L
Posts: 63
Joined: Wed Apr 05, 2023 9:22 am
Location: Mississippi

Anybody Paint their Wing Spars??

Post by Bruce_L »

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!
Mountain Cat
Posts: 213
Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2023 5:15 pm

Re: Anybody Paint their Wing Spars??

Post by Mountain Cat »

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.
Badland1
Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:37 pm
Location: Truman, MN
Contact:

Re: Anybody Paint their Wing Spars??

Post by Badland1 »

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 :)
LA F2 Flyer
Site Admin
Posts: 571
Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2021 10:12 pm
Location: Los Angeles

Re: Anybody Paint their Wing Spars??

Post by LA F2 Flyer »

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.
ksatter26
Posts: 428
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2022 9:06 am
Location: Farmersville TX

Re: Anybody Paint their Wing Spars??

Post by ksatter26 »

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 ?).
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