Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim and Amelia Isaacs on October 4, 2024 at 6:40pm

I did my own using Stewart Systems waterborne, my rationale was single stage, I could mix, thin and cleanup with water; reduced health hazards (auto paint contains highly toxic solvents and requires a forced fresh air respirator- can be deadly if inhaled); and the the primer and paint are designed to work together. It is super hard and durable when cured. Very resistant to fuel. Is it easy? I’d say no, it’s thin when mixed properly and will run on you if you get in a hurry and lay it on too thick too fast- but if you follow their instructions exactly, set up your gun as instructed, and are patient when spraying, faithfully waiting between light coats, it will look very good. It’s not cheap either, but I don’t know of any high quality cheap paints.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by John Burns on October 6, 2024 at 4:45pm

If durability and light weight are your goals, you can skip the paint.  The 6061 T6 is very corrosion resistant.  I lightly polish the leading edges to make it easier for bug removal, but nothing like the "polished" planes.  Saves 18 to 30 pounds in weight and it is easy to maintain.  I would have taken a different approach if it was to be tied down outside, located near the ocean or if it was a seaplane.  Just another alternative.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Carl Orton on October 6, 2024 at 7:43pm

I used Interlux Briteside Brightside? marine paint. Single part poly. Won’t kill you. I used alumiprep/alodine as a primer or Rustoleum aluminum primer for smaller parts. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Patrick Hoyt on October 20, 2024 at 7:26pm

I had such poor results with painting that I gave up and polished my airplane.  The 6061 easily takes a good shine, and most importantly it KEEPS it.  Extremely low maintenance.

Anyone who says polished aircraft are difficult is either talking about 2024 alclad, or is simply parroting what they’ve heard.  In either case, they don’t know what they’re talking about regarding the polishing of 6061.

- Pat

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bert Shivers on November 12, 2024 at 9:37pm

Zenith 701 that I work on for a friend (he bought it, didn’t build) is painted with Rustoleum. The only places that I see issues are pealing along the trailing edges. I think the builder didn’t properly prepare the surfaces between the rivets at the trailing edges. Color is implement yellow so when I repainted the black cowling I painted it John Deere green and call the plane the Zondeer. The paint is more than 7 years old and no problems except the little bit I’ve mentioned.

I still have a canoe that I painted with Dupont DuLux enamel in 1972. It has lived outside on the Texas Coastal Plains since then and the paint is still good. Wish that was still available.

• ▶ Reply