Yes , aluminum oxidize and ends in tatters, as the 2CV from Citroën, but after much longer time…
Vans Aircraft makes no specific recommendation on this point but all hombuilders apply anti-corrosion on aluminium (even alu-T3).
It is therefore the responsibility of the manufacturer to choose while being aware not to build a submarine !
VANS treats its wings and fuselage kits assembled proposed.
There are several types of anti- corrosion for aluminum treatment:
Applying a primer
Different types of primer are possible :
Water based primer,
Epoxy bicomponent primer , with or without chromate,
Epoxy single component primer.
Whatever the choice , it is necessary that the primer layer applied stick to temperature changes , vibration, UV and various attacks that can undergo the plane (grease, fuel , shocks, … ) .
Chromic anodizing
Having contacted several companies , it remains a possible treatment (that is applied on Dassault RAFALE fighter), stylish but expensive (around € 4000 for the entire aircraft ) and difficult to achieve in terms of organization .
= > After many hesitations and taken diverse and varied opinions , I decided to use the 90 Green Primary réf.E4120 from french companie Diatex used by Airbus & British Aerospace : 100% epoxy bi- component, pigmented chromate strontium and respecting the .
Applied with a pneumatic paint gun ( nozzle 1.5 ) after :
Apply MEK on parts for degreasing,
Deroche parts with scochbrite maron to create the hook,
