How to finish aluminum mast

[davidpm]

What options are there for finishing the aluminum masts sections?

Leave it alone. If left natural what do you do with the epoxy wraps?

Paint?

Home Anodize Process?

[ulpilotrmh]

What options are there for finishing the aluminum masts sections?

Leave it alone. If left natural what do you do with the epoxy wraps?

Paint?

Home Anodize Process?

On my mast, I intend to paint the mast the same way I painted aluminum structure on the planes I built. First, scrub the tubing with Scotchbrite pads to create some "tooth" to help the paint bond to the aluminum. Do not use steel wool! Particles of the wool will be imbeded in the aluminum and will rust and cause the aluminum to corrode. The correct Scotchbrite pads are available from auto paint stores. Wipe down the tubing with MEK or lacquer. Next, spray on a coat or two of "Self Etching Primer," (Available at most auto part stores), then your choice of Krylon or Rustolium paint. I intend to paint the epoxy, except where it is covered by the larger tubing.

I have a limited supply of Scotchbrite pads for those who can't find them locally. Contact me at ulpilotrmh@aol.com

Russ

[wardm]

Another option for aluminium masts/booms is Tectyl 151 - this product, when applied on aluminium, forms a clear film that protects it from corrosion. I used on my Spindrift and on my Azuli F40 cat's 50 foot wing mast. I found it needs to be recoated on high wear areas after a few years, but holds up pretty good. It can be applied by cloth, brush or spray.

[Doug Cameron]

. . . LPU?

[Hirilonde]

I used Awlgrip products.  I sanded my pieces, used the cleaning and etching solutions, the 2-part epoxy/zinc chromate primer, 545 primer, then finished with their LPU topcoat.  If I didn't have access to all this at work I would go the route Ray went.  The Awlgrip products would be way too expensive for small projects.