Wondering if anyone has had any experience with stripping paint using the bicarbonate soda blasting method? I don’t want to use a sandblast on the engine mount (it is to abrasive and can remove metal as well as work-harden the surface). I’ve heard of using walnut shell media also. It seems the bicarbonate is the safest and easiest. Does anyone know much about this process?

 

I noticed that the paint has come off several of the weld joints around the lower firewall mount tubes. I have heard of stress-induced corrosion but there is none under the paint in these areas. The paint has just popped off or can be scraped off with your fingernail. This is after 10 years, 850 hours. I checked for cracks with a magnifying glass and an acetone wipe (stays dark in a crack where it doesn’t evaporate) and found none. There must be a metallurgical explanation for why the paint has come off these joint welds.

 

I’m also looking for other recommendations on the best way to strip the engine mount and best paint to use that can withstand the radiant heat from the exhaust which turned sections of the old paint brown. Dupont’s Imeron has been suggested.

 

Thanks.

Neal Garvin

Glasair IIS RG N15F