Badland Part 103 Pilots and Builders Forum

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!

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.

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

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.

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 ?).