Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tim Juhl on December 13, 2014 at 6:50pm

I have no experience with the product but from what I read about it you should have no problems. Our skins are made of 6081T6 which unlike some other alloys, does not have a layer of pure aluminum on the outside that you want to protect.  Just make sure you rinse it thoroughly when done. 

Tim

Retired Chemistry Teacher

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Permalink Reply by John Austin on December 14, 2014 at 7:38am

Don't see how it would hurt but why not ask Stewart Systems and let us know what they say - many times you'll pick some additional tips talking to the actual vendor!

John

N750A

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Permalink Reply by Don Morrisey on December 14, 2014 at 7:57pm

Paul, I used it on a previous all aluminum homebuilt and it is a very good product IMO. The "Eco" part of it also makes it easy to use. I used it on the entire airplane. It's easy to set your parts up outside in the driveway and have your hose ready. I used the Eco-etch in conjunction with a maroon pad. On the wings I did a 3' by 4' area, used some pretty good elbow grease with the pad...don't let the area dry and then after the required time, hosed off that area. Stewart recommends pressure washing after you're done and that is a good idea. The parts come out looking great and you can just let the stuff drain out of your driveway.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Harrington on December 14, 2014 at 8:17pm

Hi Paul,

That looks like a good find. If you remember, I had some spots like you have and used the Nuvite with the Scothbrite pad and it would have been nice to have known about this method. Would you mind re-posting this on this thread:http://www.zenith.aero/forum/topics/polishing-your-airplane-tell-us... ? I am trying to maintain a thread that will useful for those who come behind us that wish to polish. This is very valuable knowledge.

Thanks,

Joe

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Permalink Reply by Don Burkholder on December 14, 2014 at 9:41pm

From the the website. Maybe a good wax designed for aluminum?  I use;   http://www.buschshineproducts.com/polishes

 "Stewart Systems primers provide corrosion protection.  The reason we want aluminum surfaces primed soon after etching is that when exposed to air, aluminum begins corrosion immediately.  Of course you can't see it, but it is starting.  Priming right away removed the oxygen/aluminum mix and stops the corrosion process.  Surfaces that have a lot of corrosion can actually continue to corrode under any primer and paint. "

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Permalink Reply by Paul Sanders on December 15, 2014 at 3:31pm

Thanks all for your replies, I've email them to ask their opinion but I am convinced that it is safe to use.

John - I will add it to the original forum. I've been using your method on the first wing and am about to start the second one, a lot harder work that I thought (or more likely I am a lot wimpier than I thought!). I think I will give this method a try.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Sanders on December 15, 2014 at 4:39pm

Yes, Stewart Systems tell me it is perfectly safe for our skins.

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Permalink Reply by Don Morrisey on December 15, 2014 at 9:51pm

One thing to add to my post above on the product is that the purpose of Eco etch is to etch the metal immediately prior to painting. I'm not sure there is a lot to gain by using the material if the intent is to polish. Perhaps it does help to remove corrosion but I have no experience with that.

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