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DP40 on Aluminum LBG body parts

To: british-cars@autox.team.net
Subject: DP40 on Aluminum LBG body parts
From: Bob Ollerton <ollerton@priacc.com>
Date: Thu, 06 Oct 94 11:17:45 PST
Text item: Text_1

     

     
     DP40 is an Epoxy Chromate primer/sealer.
     
     Its used in aircraft restoration work because it inhibits corrosion 
     on both steel and aluminum.  I stopped using lacquer based 
     zinc-chromate and have switched to DP40.
     
     The chromate causes it to also self-etch the base metal.  It sticks 
     to metal like nothing else I have ever used.  It provides a sealing 
     layer that prevents moisture (or PAINT SOLVENTS) from reaching what's 
     under it.  
     
     If its fully cured, you should scuff sand it before top coating.  If 
     you don't do this, the top coat may not fully bond.  I have seen this 
     happen, its about a 50/50 chance if you don't scuff sand with 
     something like scotch brite/fine pads.
     
     If I were using in on aluminum LBC parts, I would follow the same 
     procedure used on aircraft:
        1.  Wash with an alkaline soap; like simple green, 409, ...  rinse 
     with lots of fresh water.
        2.  Dip or wash with Aluminum metal prep (acid) to dissolve any 
     traced of oxide. Auminumn oxide breeds more aluminum oxide so you want 
     to remove every trace of it.  Its the white powder you see around bolt 
     holes, where aluminum mates to steel, etc.  Rinse very well.
        3. Optional; if the part is exposed to a lot of moisture; an 
     Alodine treatment will add more protection.  Dip or wash the parts, 
     keep them wet, follow the directions for timing.  And then rinse very 
     well.  Alodine is toxic, wash up real well and be careful how you 
     store and dispose of it.
        4. Make sure its really dry
        5. Prime with DP40.  For aluminum, the correct film thickness is 
        reached when you can still read writing on the aluminum through the 
     primer, any thicker than that is ok but wastes the DP40 and adds 
     weight (which may be a problem for Triumph-Tractors)  However, any 
     areas where steel will contact the aluminum, I would put an extra 
     heavy coat.
        6. The sanding dust from DP40 is toxic (chromate).  Wear a 
     respirator (not a dust mask!) if you dry sand it.
     
     
     Hope this is helpfull; 
     
     Bob_ollerton@priacc.com
     San Diego, CA.
     79'MGB; 53'TD; 3 airplanes, no house.



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