Today was the big day for getting the canopy on the canopy frame with Sikaflex. This is a multistep process that I will attempt to outline here. Yesterday I had scuffed all the surfaces with 80 grit sandpaper and then cleaned all the surfaces.
The first step is the Aktivator application. This is a semi-clear liquid that prepares and cleans the surfaces. You wipe it on all surfaces to be bonded using a rag. Wipe it on, then wipe it off and let it set for 10 minutes. It leaves a slight haze behind. Next up is the Sikaflex Primer.
The Primer is a very low viscosity liquid that etches anything it touches in seconds. To keep any potential runs from occuring and damaging the canopy or aircraft aluminum my wife stood by with a clean rag for quick cleanup. It takes mineral spirits and intense rubbing to get it off. Fortunately there wasn't any runs that caused any concerns. I started with the canopy, moved to the frame and then the side skirts. Sikaflex will not adhere to anything that has not been primed. So the key is to make sure you only put primer on areas that need adhesion.