I primed some of the vertical stabilizer parts today. This involved cleaning the parts with a water-based cleaning solution/degreaser from Stewart Systems called EkoClean.
The parts were then etched with EkoEtch, also from Stewart Systems. Both solutions are diluted. During the etching process, I spray the parts with the EkoEtch, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then scuff the surface with a scotch brite pad.
The parts are rinsed really good with water and set aside to dry. I wear Nitrile gloves during the etching process and while handling the parts prior to priming.
I let the parts dry, then I primed them with a water-based primer from Stewart Sytems called EkoPrime.
I wear a face mask while priming which fits snugly around my nose and mouth. I cannot smell the paint while I'm spraying, which is a good indication that the filters in the mask and the seal around my nose and mouth are good.
The front and rear spars, rear spar doubler, and the inside of the vertical stabilzer skin still need to be primed. I'm waiting on a #30 countersink bit from Avery Tools to finish the rear spar doubler before it gets primed. It's probably not going to get here until next week. Tomorrow or Friday I'll clean, etch and prime the spars and skin.
