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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.

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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.

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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. 

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