Airtech Question

[TJ_Slice]

I have been studying and asking questions about covering with Airtech, and am about to get started today covering an aileron today.

I was reading the Airtech manual one last time, and realized I have a big question (I don't know how I overlooked it). Since it is a Saturday, I thought I would ask here first.

Specifically, I am wondering about prepping the aileron. Under aluminum prep in the Airtech manual, after alodine, the last step states: "After the conversion coating and /or wash primer application the surface must be coated with AirTech’s two component epoxy primer."

Is that for paint only, or should I be priming the aileron before covering too? I haven't seen anyone mention priming before covering.

[jaredyates]

I have not read their book, but if it is anything like Polyfiber, the biggest concern is ensuring that the primer is not going to have a bad interraction with the glue and subsequent chemicals. The glue needs to stick to it, and the chemicals need to not dissolve it. The safest course of action would be to reach out to Airtech and tell them what paint is on the parts, so that they can confirm compatibility. Confidence is high that this will be the case, especially since it is confirmed to be compatible with Polyfiber and Stewarts. Virgil can probably tell you the specs on the factory primer.

[TJ_Slice]

I hate to bug them on a Saturday. If I can't get confirmation here, I'll probably just find something else to do and wait until Monday.

[TJ_Slice]

I bugged him. Virgil confirmed it is OK to glue directly on the Bearhawk green primer.

[alaskabearhawk]

FWIW, that’s what I did and it worked out great. Like Jared said, the glue needs to be compatible with the primer. A 2K primer, once cured, is usually ok. If you have some doubt about any other parts, just give it a test with a swatch of fabric and glue.

[gregc]

Also, don't overlook Airtech's YouTube videos. I learned most of what I know about fabric by watching Robbie and his cousin explain things.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smFsLBApVR0

[TJ_Slice]

I've watched all of them... It's part of the reason I chose Airtech.

[TJ_Slice]

Hypothetical here, but I thought I would ask. I started rib stitching this morning, and it is going well.

However, I have poked myself a couple of times.. nothing huge, but I did draw blood once. I didn't get it on the fabric, but what if I had?

I imagine it will leave a stain no matter how well or fast you get to it.

Would primer and paint be able to completely cover it?

[geraldmorrissey]

Why worry, if it still shows through the paint, consider it a badge of honor. Blood , sweat and tears. Some tape on your fingers will help.

[rkennell]

Cold water will remove most blood stains. At least that is what mom told me.

[geraldmorrissey]

Instead of starting with an aircraft part, why not create a test panel. In A+P school we built a wooden frame about 18" on a side that we covered, shrunk, doped, rib stiched, taped and painted. It was a valuable learning experience before we were turned loose on an actual aircraft part. If you have never covered anything before I highly recommend it. Plus you can hang it on your wall.
Cheers
Gerry
Patrol #30

[TJ_Slice]

I am happy with how it is turning out, but I am also completely OK with removing it all and starting over too. I had decided that this aileron would be my test piece. I do plan on doing that before primer and paint though.