When to remove protective wrap on aluminum skins?

[sonex1678]

I am wondering what other have done with the plastic wrap on their skins during the build--remove when building or leave on until as long as possible for protection? I have left mine on so far, but wonder if there is a reason to remove such as the wrap being a moisture trap.

Any thoughts and/or experiences would be appreciated. I live in FL so moisture may be more of a concern for me than for others....

Doug

[fastj22]

Not sure when the best time is but I can say that if you wait several years, it becomes very difficult to remove. The plastic gets brittle with age and comes off in little pieces.

[Bryan Cotton]

Doug,
If you are painting for sure pull it off now. If you are polishing there is some benefit for leaving it on for a bit. I had left it on my ruddervator skins except for a strip on the rivet line. That is a pain. On the flaps, ailerons, and tank cover I took it off after I trimmed the parts. That is probably optimal.

[sonex1678]

Thanks for the responses--I had only removed the wrap where riveting needed to be done, but will now remove the remaining wrap to eliminate any moisture trapping or difficulty removing it later....

Doug

[MichaelFarley56]

I agree with John. It's up to you when to pull off the wrap just don't wait until it's all dry because then it's a pain to remove! I found that a heat gun helped a little but it's still a pain. If you want to protect the skins keep doing what you're doing; remove the wrap around the rivets and leave the rest on for now.