Soak test of EkoPrime

I wanted to see the effect of immersion in clean water on the EkoPrime. The underlying 6061-T6 was cleaned with acid etched with EkoEtch while wet scrubbing with 320 grit Vlies. Stewart Aircraft Systems pointed out that this primer is not designed to withstand immersion - this test was just to examine the effect. I am thinking of primed parts being affected by moisture or condensation, which SS state this primer will withstand. SS state that EkoPoxy will perform better under these extreme conditions.

Anyway, bubbling due to debonding withe the underlying metal was observed. The primer material itself was weakened - I could easily scratch it off the metal with a fingernail. Prior to immersion, this would not happen. The primer had cured for 3 weeks prior to this test.

This observation, along with some other thinking, has helped bring my priming strategy into question.