Well, after striking out with the spray can of Zinc Chromate last night, I both ordered a new can from SkyGeeks and returned to the hangar with a new vengance. Determination paid off, and I fixed the old can of ZC. All it took was a small drill bit to clean out the top of the can, and a new spray nozzle from another can.
I primed VA-146 and will let it dry overnight. Tomorrow evening should yield the first rivet!!