Refinishing steps

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perossichi
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Refinishing steps

Post by perossichi »

There are two metal steps bolted to the pilot and copilot side to help you enter the cockpit. When I bought my DA40, these were poorly painted. I stripped the paint and polished what I assume is stainless steel. I got both to a mirror finish. However, they soon corroded. I tried waxing them. Then I coated them in polyurethane. But to no avail. They develop rust spots even under the polyurethane.

Can anyone advise how to preserve the metal finish and stop the corrosion?

Thanks!
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firedwg1
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Re: Refinishing steps

Post by firedwg1 »

Might want to try to have it chromed or ceramic coated. Unprotected medal will oxidize.
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Tom-B
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Re: Refinishing steps

Post by Tom-B »

Peter, I too am in the same boat with my steps on my 2002 D40.

Has anyone had any experience having a 3rd party chrome their Diamond’s steps?
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CFIDave
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Re: Refinishing steps

Post by CFIDave »

I would just paint them white -- that's how brand new DA40NGs are delivered from the factory.
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Rich
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Re: Refinishing steps

Post by Rich »

CFIDave wrote: Mon Jan 18, 2021 4:49 pm I would just paint them white -- that's how brand new DA40NGs are delivered from the factory.
The older DA40's came unpainted and one attaches the static clip directly to the step. So if one were to paint them you'd also need to add that little bare metal grounding strip provided in the later airframes.

Mine, over the years, has acquired what I choose to describe as an attractive bronzing effect. :D
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perossichi
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Re: Refinishing steps

Post by perossichi »

Thx for all of the suggestions. Getting the steps chromed would involve removing them which appears to be a real pain.

I’m going to try one more ‘quack’ remedy. Clean, remove use, polish and coat with Protectaclear.

Next thing you know, I’ll be putting Marvel Mystery oil in the plane ;)
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jwx96
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Re: Refinishing steps

Post by jwx96 »

Mine were white with peeling black non skid tape on the top. At my last annual they removed the tape and painted the top with black non skid paint. I think they look good.
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