Regular readers of my comments here know that I have some heavily oxidised wing skins from the crates sitting out for too long during the one storm we get a decade.

and I have been using Nuvite and Scotch pads to clean it up but I just came across EkoEtch from Steward Systems: http://www.stewartsystems.aero/products/105/ekoetch-quart

I tried it on a small scrap piece that was similarly oxidised and with very little effort it was near totally clean

Does anyone know if this is safe to use on the aluminium that is used in our kits? This would be a much easier effort than what am I doing now.

Thanks

Paul

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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

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

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.

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

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. "

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.

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

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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