Lots of talk lately about polishing has got me thinking. My plane has been flying for 4+ years in its raw alclad glory. It's definitely dulled, and I fear it's showing some light surface corrosion. Unfortunately, I'm unlikely to get budgetary approval to have it painted for years... is there any "temporary" method, product, or practice that will a) remove existing corrosion and b) protect the surface against damage, without interfering with future paint -- and is cheap?
I've read many of the polish threads, and studied up on the Perfect Polish and Nuvite sites to learn about the process. From what I understand, the polishing doesn't seem to impart any level of protection to the metal. The chemistry teacher in our house tentatively agrees, saying that the natural oxidation layer is already protecting it and removing that with polish would just be counterproductive, so best to leave it raw and forget about the dull blah surface until taking it to paint. True/false?
It looks like $800 or so would get the basics of a polish setup. But, I have enough trouble finding time between work and weather to fly it, so I can't really commit to 100+ hours of polishing, hence my desire to paint eventually...I love to tinker with the systems, but would rather spend my time flying than polishing. At the same time, I don't want to see it corrode away for lack of care. But, no way do I have the $10k for paint either. I rent my hangar space and don't have a shop to attempt a DIY paint job.
Any advice welcomed...
(This could have gone in either Painting or Polishing, mods please move if you feel it fits better elsewhere.)
I've read many of the polish threads, and studied up on the Perfect Polish and Nuvite sites to learn about the process. From what I understand, the polishing doesn't seem to impart any level of protection to the metal. The chemistry teacher in our house tentatively agrees, saying that the natural oxidation layer is already protecting it and removing that with polish would just be counterproductive, so best to leave it raw and forget about the dull blah surface until taking it to paint. True/false?
It looks like $800 or so would get the basics of a polish setup. But, I have enough trouble finding time between work and weather to fly it, so I can't really commit to 100+ hours of polishing, hence my desire to paint eventually...I love to tinker with the systems, but would rather spend my time flying than polishing. At the same time, I don't want to see it corrode away for lack of care. But, no way do I have the $10k for paint either. I rent my hangar space and don't have a shop to attempt a DIY paint job.
Any advice welcomed...
(This could have gone in either Painting or Polishing, mods please move if you feel it fits better elsewhere.)