Spring weather is here with luxuriously warm sunshine. I was able to get all of the smaller elevator parts Alodined and primed. The main channel parts had been done while my paint booth was still set up, before the QB delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once again, I’ve demonstrated that shortcuts don’t pay off. This time, I tried to skip scuffing the parts. I degreased, rinsed, applied Alumiprep 33<\/em> and rinsed again. But, my brush application of Alodine<\/em> didn’t produce any measure of satisfaction. The results were blotchy and left places that just seemed bare. So, I went back, scuffed every square millimeter of every part with my trusty (red) Scotch-Brite<\/em> pad. Then more degreasing with diluted Extreme Simple Green Aircraft<\/em>, rinsing, Alumiprep<\/em>, another rinse, more Alodine<\/em> and a final rinse. Better this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brush application of Alodine<\/em> simply does not compare with dipping, but as a base for priming, it seems fine for good paint adhesion. If I was going to leave the Alodine<\/em> treated aluminum un-primed, I think I’d have to go with dipping to get a more uniform “golden” appearance. There’s also un-tinted Alodine<\/em>. I haven’t tried it. It might be hard to tell how effective the application is, especially given the primitive conditions and minimalist process I’m using. Stick with what you know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n