In article ,
"Ebby" wrote:

After reading this I have a question for those who have gone through this
process. I have a freshley welded steel tube fuselage with no surface rust
at all. Is is necessary to sandblast the whole thing then prime or can I
use scuffs and emery with the stainless brush mentioned? Seems like media
blasting with sand or glass is a bit harsh for a new fuselage. What do they
do at maule? All that needs to be removed is the dark mill scale and epoxy,
from what I've heard will stick to almost anything.


I don't know what they do at Maule, but you need to have metal under the
epoxy -- not oxides of iron. Bead blasting the discolored areas around
the welds is a good way to remove any extraneous oxides that could crack
and attract water.

The most important part of the prep is to remove all traces of oils and
grease (including those from hands) before priming.

An airbrush is a good way to apply primer, as it has a narrow pattern
and will not waste too much expensive paint and primer.