Empennage

Rudder (2.5 hrs)

Page 7-4  at Step 9:   Scuffed using maroon scotchbrite ALL doublers, rudder spar, top rib, bottom rib, and counterbalance rib.  Also Rudder Horn (aluminum extrusion...without Alclad requires full coverage for corrosion protection).   This is prep to spray with self-etching primer.

Scuffed, but not yet cleaned via Acetone.

I've purchased a new brand of self-etching primer; Napa 7220.  Seems to cover better, dry quickly with less tendency to run...and I prefer the medium grey color.  My Vertical Stab interior was primed using Duplicolor self-etching primer - "army green".  It was OK, but from builders postings I believe the Napa 7220 is a better product.  Of course it costs more too.

Nap 7220 grey is dark enough to see coverage.

Still searching for a cost effective source for Sherwin Williams GBP988.   A local S-W automotive store wanted approx $20 a rattle can (12 oz) !  That's double Napa 7220 price.   I'm going to redouble my efforts via internet to find a good source at better prices.

Note:  Although some builders prime all interior parts completely, I don't believe cost & added weight are worthwhile.  Van's describes as optional.  Since I plan to always hangar my aircraft and avoid exposure to corrosive environments (such as coastal regions), I'm using a limited coverage approach.  My strategy:  prime anywhere two surfaces are mated and any aluminum not Alclad.  Since I'm buying Quick Build Wings and QB Fuselage,  those will be primed by Van's process using S-W P60G2 (no pigment).  This seems to be a "minimum" protection, so makes no sense to heavily prime remainder of airplane.