Today I primed everything that was ready to be primed. This includes all the VS parts, rudder parts, and the elevator spars and trim cover plates. Here it all is curing nicely in the 70 degree weather. It's a little humid (maybe 80-90% with the rain we got the last couple of days) but it seems to be doing alright. I let the first coat dry for about an hour and turned everything over to do the other side. I probably should have left slightly more dry time, as it's just the slightest bit tacky but I have been moving it a little to make sure it doesn't stick to the surfaces it's sitting on. The last few parts were right at the end of my batch of primer, so their coats are light, but the spec sheet says that it only need 0.6 mils thickness. And for that matter, the alodine by itself should be sufficient, so I'm not concerned.
I had a little accident with the last of the first batch (for the first side coat). I thought the spray pot was on, but I guess screwed it the wrong way. I picked up the spray gun and got about 1 foot off the table when the pot dropped and SPLAT!
I may be building a plane in my garage, but I'm not crazy.. With all the nasty chemicals and paint I always wear my safety equipment. Even so, some of the spatter got on my face and arm (I should have been wearing long sleeves). So I ran in the house and washed it all off, and everything is fine. When I was younger I splashed some industrial citrus cleaner in my eye, and just thinking about the burning from that and the saline eye rinse contraption at the doctor (think contact lenses with tubes coming out the front) makes my eyes water still and reminds me not to mess around with anything that could be remotely dangerous to my health. So this accident didn't cause any damage but it was a good reminder to always wear all the protective equipment.
And luckily the MEK took most of it off my shoes, so I don't have to go buy another pair :)
