Varnish over plain aluminum?

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HansLab

Well Known Member

• Dec 2, 2016

• #1

All,
While building my '12 I sort of got in love with those rows of rivets: so straight, I just cannot cover them with paint, I think.
So, I want to leave the plane as pure as it is, with just some color accents here and there to point out the aluminum (and to cover the non-aluminum parts).

I read all the articles about polishing, but: have anyone of you experience with any clear (as in: water-like) varnish-types that provides me polishing every year - and keeps the aluminum from wearing?

Any ideas highly appreciated!!

 

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olderthandirt

Well Known Member

• Dec 2, 2016

• #2

varnish

I would not use Varnish as it will check and yellow expecially ove aluminum...use Two part Acrylic Urethan Clear...it has much better adhesion and will never yellow...my opinion and it's probably worth what you paid..ha

 

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ArlingtonRV

Well Known Member

• Dec 2, 2016

• #3

Protectaclear

There is a coating called Protectaclear that is VERY self leveling. It can be applied with a bristle brush, foam brush, foam applicator, etc. It can be sprayed, but would likely need to be thinned. Some of the float guys use it on aluminum floats because it is easy to touch up and offers good protection against the elements.

https://www.everbritecoatings.com/cart/protectaclear-ezp-97.html

 

JonJay

Well Known Member

• Dec 2, 2016

• #4

The problem with any clear coat system is they look great, until they don't. Repairs can be difficult to blend and over time, you will have dings and scratches.
I might consider a clear wrap.?

 

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Bevan

Well Known Member

• Dec 2, 2016

• #5

A clear wrap over all those raised head rivets may not look too good. But you could test a small area with a sample and judge for yourself. I did the whole airplane myself with 3M1080 (solid colors, not clear).

Bevan

 

JonJay

Well Known Member

• Dec 2, 2016

• #6

ArlingtonRV said:

There is a coating called Protectaclear that is VERY self leveling. It can be applied with a bristle brush, foam brush, foam applicator, etc. It can be sprayed, but would likely need to be thinned. Some of the float guys use it on aluminum floats because it is easy to touch up and offers good protection against the elements.

https://www.everbritecoatings.com/cart/protectaclear-ezp-97.html

Click to expand...

Not familiar with it. Looks promising.

 

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ArlingtonRV

Well Known Member

• Dec 2, 2016

• #7

Protectaclear

I started using Everbrite, the forerunner to Protectaclear, several years ago. I use it on the insides of skins and on mating surfaces. It is very easy to apply. I don't have any long term experience with its wetherproofness or corrosion resistance, but their web site makes it sound like PFM (magic).

 

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gasman

Well Known Member

Friend

• Dec 2, 2016

• #8

Look into Airstrem clear....... http://www.pandstrailerservice.com/airstream-faq.html

 

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Larry DeCamp

Well Known Member

• Dec 3, 2016

• #9

Stewart Systems clear metal finish

Stewart systems sells a water based clear finish they claim can even survive exhaust heat and releases bugs like Teflon. Might be worth talking to Dan about your " no paint " application.

 

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HansLab

Well Known Member

• Dec 4, 2016

• #10

Thank you!

Great, Forum, thanks for thinking with me 'till now. Lots of searching to do. Will keep you posted!

 

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0utdoor_funguy

I'm New Here

• Dec 7, 2016

• #11

You might want to visit Gatorwraps and Gatorprints, you can request for a quote.