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International Primers - Help

jMINTj

Member
He all, new guy here just looking for some opinions and maybe a little guidance.

I'm currently in Spain and my RV-7A empennage just arrived. I've decided I want to potentially prime the insides of my plane, at least partially. The problem is that most of the products mentioned here are not available. Self-etching primer, prekote, alumiprep, etc, etc. None of these are available here. I've also decided against the epoxy primers due to several factors (weight, complicated setup & clean-up for my space, others), so this leaves me with rattle cans, at least for the initial small parts.

I have found a couple of wash, basic, and "anti rust" primers in the local hardware store.

http://www.montanacolors.com/media/788_80_MSDS-AE0140131_Anti rust primer-ENx1.pdf

http://www.montanacolors.com/media/1038_80_MSDS-MTN Industrial_Wash primer-ENx1.pdf

http://www.motipdupli.com/en/INT/products/dupli-color/decoration/basic/ipg-1034.html

http://www.motipdupli.com/en/INT/products/dupli-color/decoration/basic/ipg-1030.html

Do any of these seem close to the accepted methods available in the US? I do have an APO address here, but it seems just about all of the products mentioned on this forum are "hazardous" and can't be shipped overseas. I found a self-etching primer on amazon.es and almost jumped out of my seat, until I saw that it was almost $50 just to ship a ~$10 can... My wife would DEFINITELY not be happy with that.

So after lots of searching, it seems my only option might be another method? Is mechanical etching (scuffing) enough to get these primers to adhere well? I think I saw someone mention vinegar??

Any help, suggestions, or opinions are appreciated. Thanks!
 
Find a local auto repair supplier and ask for 2 part acid etch primer for aluminium.

A European brand is Tetrosyl Etch Primer, search eBay for it. It is a 50/50 mix, easy to apply, no chromates, sticks really well and is a goof substrate for topcoats. Used it on a 7, an 8, 2 12's and a 14 !

https://www.ebay.es/sch/i.html?_fro...rimer.TRS0&_nkw=tetrosyl+etch+primer&_sacat=0

If you want any more info, drop me a PM or email and we can chat.

Mike
 
Thanks!

Thanks, Mike! About how much Tetrosyl did you use on your -7 or similar size? Great info!

v/r,
-MINT
 
A 5 litre pack makes 10 litres when mixed and should be fine for a 7A. One advantage is any leftover kept in a plastic sealed soup will stay usable for some weeks.

Once mixed, add around 10% cellulose thinners to aid spraying, I use a top fed HVLP airline fed gun - 35psi at the wall outlet and it goes on a treat.
 
2-part epoxy substitute?

I picked up some rattle can Primer of the U-Pol Acid #8 Self-Etching for the small parts, and finally found a couple of other useful options available in local stores here.

This product is a 2-part epoxy primer, without chromates, available at Valentine's (Tienda de Pintura).
http://www.cin-protective.com/porta...83809B80CO&categoryOID=72828080808A80GC&nl=en

This product is a 2-part epoxy primer with Strontium Chromate.
http://www.landecolor.com/index.php/en/productos/ficha/3

I finally decided on non-chromate primer for the large parts of my build, so I'll post results when I get them.
 
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