priming tail feathers

[airman]

Do I need to prime and paint my 4130 tail feathers and fuselage. I am building a double eagle.

[Jeff Point]

Yes, the bare 4130 will rust under the eventual fabric covering. Not only can this weaken the structure but will show through the fabric and paint.

There are a million opinions on which primer is best to use. My vote is Stewart Systems Ecoprime, top coated with Ecocrylic prior to fabric covering. That's what I used on my 4130 tail feathers prior to fabric.

[airman]

I am planning on painting with poly fiber. Is stewart system easy to apply? I have used the fabric glue and that was easy.

[Jeff Point]

If you are going to use Polyfiber then I would start with their epoxy primer. Unless you really, really know what you are doing it is important to stick with one system all the way through from primer to top coat. I prefer Stewarts based on ease of use and less noxious odor.

[Matt Gonitzke]

+1 for Jeff's advice...the chemicals in Poly-Fiber will likely readily dissolve the Stewart Systems paint.

[airman]

I have used polyfiber several times with no issues. Have herd stewart system is hard to get perfect. Air temp and mixing the paint has to be right on. Also thanks for the help.

[Tom Downey]

+1 for Jeff's advice...the chemicals in Poly-Fiber will likely readily dissolve the Stewart Systems paint.

Not true.