Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
Online Community of Zenith Builders and Flyers
Heat Resistant Paint on the Firewall?
I'm about done with the firewall but the homebuilthelp video matter of factly mentions painting the firewall with a heat-resistant paint. I'm curious if this is what others have done, and if so, what did they use. I've seen some web articles say it should be kept clean and shiny (for other aircraft).
Seems like it should be primed at least, but then this is all new to me so I'd definitely like other's opinions.
Thanks
Paul
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Jerold Ebke on
-
Paul,
I had mine powder coated after assembly prior to riveting in place on fuselage.
-
Permalink Reply by Ken Ryan on
-
I powder coated mine, but I wouldn't do it again. I would leave it bare galvanized. Less to burn.
-
Permalink Reply by Bob Pustell on
-
I plan to leave mine bare galvanized. Galvanizing is, by definition, a way to protect steel.
The firewall in my 67 year old Stinson is bare galvanized steel and is in fine conditon these many years later. It is the factory original firewall, still has the factory stamped serial number on it.
If I was to paint it, I would most likely use automotive engine enamel or else paints intended for use on BBQ grills. Both are formulated for high temps. They sell high temp primers to go with those paints. However, as mentioned already, mine is gonna stay bare. If my Stinson firewall looks fine after two thirds of a century, that is good enough for me.
-
Permalink Reply by Jimmy Young on
-
Mine's bare, works fine, one less thing to do. Some builders are really into the look and finish, some are not, either way is good.
-
Permalink Reply by Paul Sanders on
-
Ok, thanks everyone. I wasn't sure if it was something that was required for safety or if it was for the look.
-
Permalink Reply by Brad Boon on
-
A word of warning, you can not paint galvanized material without first either removing the galvanized coating. The paint will flake right off if you do. It happened to me, I ended up wire wheeling the whole firewall and then painting it again with a galvanized primer paint from McMaster Carr.
-
Permalink Reply by zihad mahmud on
-
Hi Paul,
So, did you end up with painting your firewall with a High Resistant Heat Paint?
Any references from the ZA?
i am currently in this stage and has bought some of the High Resistant Heat Paint from spruce.
-
-
Hi Zihad,
In the end I followed what a lot of people said and left it unpainted.
-
-
Thanks Paul.
I guess i will follow with unpainted option also.
-
Permalink Reply by JEFF COCHRAN on
-
I used rattle can high heat engine primer and paint. Two years later it is still holding. Would be a lot less trouble and look just as good to leave it unpainted.
Jeff
-
-
Thanks Jeff.
-
Permalink Reply by John Austin on
-
Ditto what everyone else said. Left mine bare galvanized metal and it looks good as new 2 years and 240 hrs. Likely any coating you apply will not hold up as well as the galvanized surface of the metal.
John
N750A
New from Zenith:
Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...
Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith:
Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.
Zenith Homecoming Tee:
Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz
Builder & Pilot Supplies:
Pro Builder Assistance:
Transition training:
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!
How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com
Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.
© 2024 Created by Zenith.Aero.
Powered by
