Hangar Flying => Hangar Flying => Topic started by: Matt Evans on January 26, 2005, 03:19:33 PM
Title: Primer
Post by: Matt Evans on January 26, 2005, 03:19:33 PM
I have finally been granted a shade hanger at my home airpark. The local code enforcement people will get on me unless my bird looks flyable. I am close to that stage where I can put the parts in primer and bolt the wings on etc.. I would like a white primer, but any color will do. What are the recommendations for primer. I have heard mixed reviews on Poly-Fiber, and I do not want to break the bank. I just want a good UV block and something easy to later paint white over the top of it. Many thanks. :?:
Title: Re: Primer
Post by: Dan Patch on January 26, 2005, 04:15:58 PM
Quote from: "Matt Evans"
I would like a white primer, but any color will do. What are the recommendations for primer. I have heard mixed reviews on Poly-Fiber, and I do not want to break the bank. I just want a good UV block and something easy to later paint white over the top of it....
Matt, there are two issues here:
1) Do you intend to fly the plane first in primer and then paint later? I strongly suggest that you bite the bullet and get the painting process over all at once. It will take a major cleanup/sanding of the primer if it is exposed to the 'real world' for any length of time (i.e., a LOT more total work), and there is still no way that you will have as clean a surface for your finish paint. You are asking for blister/pealing problems downstream if you wait to paint.
2) Your choice of primer. I would suggest that you choose your topcoat paint first (e.g., PPG Concept, Sterling, or whatever) and then use the primer that is specifically intended for that paint SYSTEM. Mixing and matching primers and paints from different systems can be a form of experimentation that you may deeply regret. In my mind, the amount of work involved in painting, and then repainting, is so high that the cost of the paint is a minor consideration in comparison to workability, longevity, reparability, toxicity, etc. issues.
Title: Primer
Post by: Matt Evans on January 26, 2005, 05:06:11 PM
No, I do not intend on flying it in primer, and there is a good channce I will go ahead and complete the paint process all at once. Given that, what paint would you recommend?, then I will go from there on the primer. Thanks for the prompt reply.
Title: Primer
Post by: Dan Patch on January 26, 2005, 08:34:35 PM
Quote from: "Matt Evans"
No, I do not intend on flying it in primer, and there is a good channce I will go ahead and complete the paint process all at once. Given that, what paint would you recommend?...
I think you need input from canardians with more expertise than I can bring to your question. I initially used Dupont Centari, an acrylic enamel and it lasted 20+ years. As I replaced parts (e.g., wheel pants, cowl, etc.) I repainted with PPG acrylic urethane (DAU system, which is now the Concept system) and it worked well for me - definitely a better paint than the Centari. My hangermate used Sterling, a poly-urethane and it has been outstanding. Generally, the poly-urethanes are better suited for the pros who understand the hazards of their use (toxic!) and have the skill to apply them properly. Talk to a bunch of builders and a good pro-paint supplier for advice and guidance. Experiment on something you don't like a lot before you shoot for real!
:)
Title: Primer
Post by: Anonymous on January 27, 2005, 02:03:51 AM
We used the international paints brightside system. this is a single pack polyurethane system that does not have anything like the toxicity issues of two packs. it is easy to spray ( even I can do it) and it polishes nicely. the only down side is that being an oxygen cure, it needs to be applied in at least two thinnish coats 24 hours apart and then allowed to cure fully for a few weeks before polishing.