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I have actually started priming guys. Wow its been a while getting to this point. Anyway, I have two methods of priming lined up. The first is a single part self etching primer applied from a spray can (the simple) and the second is a 2 part applied with HPLV gun (the not so simple.)

I thought I would try the first one yesterday to prime the HS parts. My first impression was that the end result was pretty decent, though I am really not happy at all with the delivery of the product. I had tons of overspray and despite my best efforts it came out quite a bit more "wet" than I liked. I dont think product was delivered as cleanly as I had wanted. I have a few "runs" on the ribs, etc, though nothing major. So I am curious for those of you who have been using this way exclusively which products you are using and if you are having the same issues? It also seems that it could be a bit pricey to prime with this method.

-- John

i've had pretty good results with the NAPA 7220. in the three cases (six cans/case @ $25/case) i've gone through, i've had two cans that didn't spray very well. one of them was last night-it sprayed a coarse mist (still usable because it spreads nicely, but not as pretty). i switched to another can, and it sprayed the perfect fine mist that i like. two coats, and maybe a few touch ups here and there, and it's done in 10 minutes. it's very durable. the only time i've had to touch up a part was from a runaway bucking bar that had lost it's taped edge protection (my fault). other than that, it's great stuff! a little pricey, though, i'll agree with that.

Thats a great price.

Rattle cans CAN INDEED be pricey, but convenient!

So far I have almost one gallon of VariPrime left (including activator) and am into it for $150 plus the cost of some gravity guns.

I like this method. It is a bit more work, but much more frugal. I am a cheap yankee!

CJ

I used Mar-hyde spray cans on the HS and VS, bought online from Wicks Aircraft Supply. I don't remember the cost exactly, but it was expensive, I think something like $13 for a 19 oz can (that's a large can). I painted everything including the inside of the skins and used about 1.8 cans. Of that amount, I think the majority didn't actually get on the metal, but just drifted away. I found it took a little practice to get good coverage without runs, holding the can too close always resulted in a run, but I got the hang of it eventually. I sprayed 3 light coats, 10 minutes apart. Was generally happy with the result, not super tough, but tough enough for assembly without too much scratching. I wish I had some idea if it will prevent corrosion.

John

here's an update on NAPA 7220 prices...

i was about blown away when i went to pick up another case that i had ordered the other day. it DOUBLED in price from my last purchase. back in november, i paid $25.72 for a case of six. friday, i paid $49.56!! guess my rattle can primer value just went out the window...

John, Any coating which blocks the environment from contacting the substrate is a worthwhile corrosive barrier. I am sure it is fine.

Chad, you have the compressor. Maybe looking into bulk paint and a spray gun for the next go around?

CJ

seems like too much of a pain to get all the stuff ready. at least with the rattle can, it's just point n shoot... i'm not priming a whole lotta stuff, so i don't feel like the extra cost is going to set me back at all. we'll see...

True... true...

I just got done doing my aileron skin-teriors and wouldn't do it any other way.

Buuuuut, I do realize you aren't doing the skins, save the faying edges.

CJ

Chad, I just picked up 7220 for about ~4 per can.

Beat me to the post! I just did the same thing! I think it was $3.87/can, so I bought two cases (12 cans).

Most Auto body supply stores sell pressurized containers that can be used for priming or painting small areas for about $4.00 per container. You can then purchase a quart of primer or paint and use the pressurized contaniner to prime or paint. It is simpler than setting up a paint gun and cleaning it. You can get refills for the pressure but you must carefully clean the pressure containers after each use. I purchased three seperate containers one for primer, one for a while paint and one for red paint. I was able to to a fair job on my canopy. I will ultimatley give the exterior of the canopy a second coat of the final color. Maybe even a third or fourth coat with a real spray gun. I hope to borrow a HLVP sprayer from a neighbor and builder.

You're painting your canopy? Is that for IFR practice?

No I just painted the canopy frame to be more specific. Sorry about that but hey its Sunday evening and after a damn good martina I just send e-mails and I don't touch the the airplane or car. Cheers!

You smart alec, Pwich!

cjensen wrote:here's an update on NAPA 7220 prices...

i was about blown away when i went to pick up another case that i had ordered the other day. it DOUBLED in price from my last purchase. back in november, i paid $25.72 for a case of six. friday, i paid $49.56!! guess my rattle can primer value just went out the window...

NAPA's usual price is in the neighborhood of $7.50-$8 a can. From time to time, they run an extended sale of about $3.50-$3.95 a can. As near as I can tell, that's right around restocking time, but I can't say for sure.

Best to develop a warm relationship with the NAPA guy. (g). Also, if you're a AAA member, that's another 15% off.

I picked up a can of the NAPA 7220 primer. I don't recall the price. However, when you do the math, spray can primer is $$$$$ compared to 2 part self etching primer. That being said, the can is soooo much more convenient. My goal is to get several parts ready for priming and shoot them all at once using the 2 part primer. In the mean time, I've used the can primer to spray the rudder skin stiffeners and rudder skins prior to assembly and it work out great. I'll do the same for the elevator stiffeners. My plan is to use the 2 part self-etching (Valspar) primer to spray all the remaining parts.

At the place that I work, there is a paint building/hanger. Yes I mean you taxi you taxi your plane in and it gets painted. I am going to go and say hello (with a catron of beer) and ask if I can get them to do my painting. If they say yes ('hic) I will probably get them to prime everything.

Remember, this is Australia. There are no towns in the middle, just desert. Every where I will live will be on the water or close to it.