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Hi Guys,

Looking forward to my Panzer III arriving soon. I was wondering what is a good etching primer to use for the aluminium parts?

I have seen aluminium parts treated with Alachrome, giving it a yellow/green finish and then an etching primer. I gather Alachrome is quite hard to get hold of and I'm not sure it is really necessary. I'd be grateful for any advice on the Alachrome and what is a good primer for aluminium.


Many thanks,

Sarah

Hi Sarah
I use u pol Acid 8 on the aluminium and steel, you can buy this in halfords
David

Hi Sarah,

UPol#8 is very good as David says. But if you can get the larger plates and panels lightly grit-blasted, the primer sticks even better.

A light texturing coat of anti-chip paint also helps unify the different surface finishes ( a Vince Abbott tip!).

Most people have found it better to dry fit (no adhesives or grease) the kit parts then to strip them down, paint, and reassemble the sub assemblies.

Definately worth trying to get at least a thin layer of primer between steel and aluminum parts to slow down the onset of galvanic corrosion on parts subject to moisture.

Good luck with your build, please post a record of your project.
Cheers, Fabrice