First Priming Session.... A Semi Success

 So I decided to try and get started with the right wing since I didn't have the appropriate spar extension piece for the left side.  I got the spar extension and the splice plates all drilled and deburred and got ready to have my first priming session.  I am using the Stewart Systems EkoEtch and EkoPrime products.  I chose this product because its water soluble and easily cleaned up, not toxic like many alternatives, and has virtually no odor allowing me to spray anywhere.  I ordered it direct from the manufacturer because it was cheaper than many resellers.  Note, they took a few days just to ship the item, so it took over a week to receive it.  If you are in a time crunch, order it from one of the bigger resellers.

When I was planning  out my priming setup, I wasn't sure how it was going to work exactly.  I've never spray painted anything with a spray gun, so there is some learning to be had.  I bought a detail gun from Harbor Freight and it was relatively inexpensive.  The gun was easy to setup and easy to use once I got it hooked up.  The primer easily mixed with some stirring, poured through the strainer, and was ready to spray quickly.  I bought a roll of butcher type paper to use as a mat to spray over, however this would end up being a poor choice.  

I quickly got setup and etched the parts easily on my lawn.  I used a watering can as an easy way to rinse everything off and then busted out the red Scotchbrite.  After a good scratching, I laid everything out to get spraying.  I took pictures of the parts so I knew what was what after spraying, I noticed this will take some practice as the primer covers up the markings on the part.

Priming went well and I had no major issues.  The Ekoprime dries relatively quickly in only a few minutes allowing for quick sessions.  I flipped over the parts and got to spraying side two.  I left the parts for a bit to dry and did some other work.  When I came back to remove the parts, I came across my problem.  The primer was still slightly wet and not fully set, so when I flipped it, the primer starts to adhere to the paper below.  The result was some missed/removed primer.

Paper stuck to primer and ripped off when removed.

So I quickly realized my paper setup was not going to work.  I brainstormed and thought about all of the leftover plywood from building the tables.  I thought about what I could use it for and came up with a "paint frame" idea.  I cut out the middle of the plywood and hit up Lowes for some Hardware Cloth.  This is essentially thin wire mesh which comes in a roll.  I then cut down and stapled the mesh to the frame I had cut out which would allow me to elevate the piece off the floor, put it on a hard surface, and not have the issues the paper created.  

My primer frame setup.

Now that I have a frame to work with, I am going to do the left side pieces.  Van's sent me out the replacement part which was actually another right piece.  After a second call, Van's went and checked the batch and found a bunch mislabeled.  A quick correction and another piece was shipped and received this past week.  Now I have drilled and deburred that, we are ready to test the new priming frame out this weekend when its nice out.  I'll report back my results, if it works well, I'll probably cut up two more pieces to have additional frames for larger batches.