Please forgive me if I already asked this question here and I realize that this is not engine-specific but…

 

What are builders of aluminum airplanes doing about priming?  The last time I did any serious painting was a long time ago.  Way back then, the standard practice for aluminum was to clean, acid etch, alodine, then prime w/ zinc chromate.  From what I’ve read, a lot has changed since then.

 

I’m getting ready to put rivets in tail feathers and feel the need to prime interior surfaces.  The airplane will most likely be tied down at an airport that is less than 2 miles from the ocean so I think I will need very good corrosion protection.  Some products I’m considering:

 

1. ACID 8 self-etching primer – comes highly recommended by auto guys, but it doesn’t have much of a track record in airplanes
2. Stits EP-420 epoxy primer
3. The Sherwin Williams primer that Vans uses

 

If you have used any of these products or have a better idea, I’d really like to hear about it.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Jeff

 

 

(If you think this subject is too far off-topic please reply to me privately)