Corrosion Prevention & Repair

Included in your Annual Inspection is a thorough visual inspection to reveal most corrosion. We look for grayish-white powder on aluminum and reddish-color deposits on other ferrous metals.

Blisters under the paint point to corrosion occurring under the surface. A common type of corrosion on aluminum, filiform, may indicate that the surface was poorly prepared for painting.

The only way to cure corrosion is to remove it. If the corrosion is light/minor on the surface, it can be removed using an abrasion, then a zinc-chromate primer corrosion inhibitor can be applied. After the corrosion inhibitor has been applied, then paint the area.

Care should be taken when removing the corrosion with brushes; they should be cleaned before use. Brushes that have been used on steel could brush steel particles into the aluminum.

Corrosion that is significant will need to have its metal/aluminum replaced.

For corrosion prevention, consider using an inhibitor at the Annual Inspection, such as ACF-50. These inhibitors are made to penetrate the areas where corrosion has occurred and to protect joints and rivet seams.

If you have any concerns regarding rust or corrosion, give West Air a call on (925) 245-0544.