Painting exterior trim

4

4RNB

Cleared for Takeoff
PoA Supporter
Joined
May 24, 2016
Messages
1,392
Display Name
4RNB
So when I bought my plane the prebuy mechanic, also a CFI, suggested taking the wheel skirts/pants off. I expect in the next week or two to replace two tires and put the pants back on, I am currently cleaning and waxing old parts. The trim pieces have paint coming off.

What should I paint the exterior plane plastics with? Thanks
 
Did the CFI/Mechanic help you update the W&B and make a logbook entry for removing the wheel pants?
If you have a auto paint supply that actually mixes, and loads spray cans you can get decent results with touch ups.
 
4RNB said:
So when I bought my plane the prebuy mechanic, also a CFI, suggested taking the wheel skirts/pants off. I expect in the next week or two to replace two tires and put the pants back on, I am currently cleaning and waxing old parts. The trim pieces have paint coming off.

What should I paint the exterior plane plastics with? Thanks
Click to expand...

i bought a $15 paint gun (known as “the purple gun”) from harbor freight- its Uber popular in the experimental world... then I have my local car place mix me paint... I bought the “detail” gun it’s the smaller of the two purple guns. Works great and it’s as easy to use as a rattle can.

most important step is the prep and primer- use good primer! I like epoxy primer, it’s pricey but it sticks to anything! Plastic/aluminum and doesn’t flake off. First paint I did I used self etch primer and am not happy with it, all that I did with epoxy I’m really happy with.

I bought the acid wash and alodine stuff too.

it’s not difficult but if you want it to last it’s a bit meticulous, but hey hangar hours are fun hours
 
If you're painting ABS plastic stuff, like wingtip and tail fairings and some wheel fairings, ordinary paints don't stick that well. SEM has paints for interior stuff, but I don't know if they have exterior grades. There are several steps to get a good bond on the plastic. https://www.semproducts.com/blog/4-easy-steps-to-refinishing-interior-plastic

I've used their interior paints and they're awesome. You can get it at auto shops. If they have no exterior-grade stuff, you might try using an automotive enamel, but wipe the plastic with a bit of MEK first to prime it, then paint immediately. The MEK will soften the plastic and the paint will fuse into it.

"So when I bought my plane the prebuy mechanic, also a CFI, suggested taking the wheel skirts/pants off."

Does this imply that there are male and female airplanes?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top