Paint weight

[brien23]

Cessna 172 or Piper PA-28 paint 22 lbs was for the older Lacquer paint. Air dry enamel is heavier than lacquer, Urethanes are heavier than air dry due to lower solvent content and cross linking cures and it also depends on the brand and application. Epoxy primer for under urethanes is going to be a bit heavier than the old Zinc Chromate used under lacquers and air dry enamels. Seaplanes have primer inside the wings and airframe that add weight. So how much does the paint weigh for the different types of paint.

 

[Bell206]

So how much does the paint weigh for the different types of paint.

It depends if you want a raw unsprayed weight or if you want a more accurate sprayed on weight. Each starts at the percentage of paint solids listed in the MSDS sheet with the former determined by simple math of the total weight vs solids. For the sprayed weight, the spray gun transfer efficiency must be determined to adjust for paint loss during paint application.

 

[NavAir]

Due to the variables involved (type of paint, thickness of application, number of colors, weight of old paint), I would think that the only way to get an accurate figure is to weigh the aircraft after painting.

 

[MuseChaser]

Thread drift.. apologies.. but since paint folks are reading....

I recently rebuilt, including extensive recoring, fiberglass cloth, and epoxy work, the entire transom of a 26' sailboat. During the finishing portion, the fellow that was assisting/training me introduced me to a two-part polyurethane paint product that was incredible... Interlux Perfection...

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1439

Using the "roll and tip" method (apply thin coats with a thin foam roller, very lightly brushing immediately with a fine boar bristle brush), we achieved a result that is pretty much indistinguishable from high quality gel coat, and the paint is very, VERY strong. Amazing stuff. See pic below.

NOW.. the question... my fiberglass wing tips, stabilator tips, and nose cone are NOT pretty. Could I use this paint, legally and practically, and my newfound skills in fiberglass cosmetic repair to class up those surfaces?

 

[Bell206]

Could I use this paint, legally and practically, and my newfound skills in fiberglass cosmetic repair to class up those surfaces?

What model aircraft?

 

[MuseChaser]

PA28-140 Cherokee

What model aircraft?

PA28-140 Cherokee.

or this one... ...

 

[Timbeck2]

He has a Cherokee 140

Sorry Barry, I know you can answer for yourself but although my nose cowl is in "decent" shape, that looks really nice. Question is how well the color would match with Matterhorn White?

 

[Jim K]

14 CFR Appendix A to Part 43 - Major Alterations, Major Repairs, and Preventive Maintenance
...
(c) Preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance is limited to the following work, provided it does not involve complex assembly operations:
...
(9) Refinishing decorative coating of fuselage, balloon baskets, wings tail group surfaces (excluding balanced control surfaces), fairings, cowlings, landing gear, cabin, or cockpit interior when removal or disassembly of any primary structure or operating system is not required.

Preventative maintenance. Knock yourself out. Post pictures.

 

[Jim K]

On second thought.... stabilator tips are part of a balanced assembly. Need an A&P to check balance and make a log entry on those specifically. I assume the stab would have to come off for that, which is getting to be a lot of hassle/ money.

Eta: I wonder if you could get an a&p to sign it off as negligible without removing the stab.

 

[Daleandee]

During the finishing portion, the fellow that was assisting/training me introduced me to a two-part polyurethane paint product that was incredible... Interlux Perfection...

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=1439

Using the "roll and tip" method (apply thin coats with a thin foam roller, very lightly brushing immediately with a fine boar bristle brush), we achieved a result that is pretty much indistinguishable from high quality gel coat, and the paint is very, VERY strong.

I used a similar technique on my entire (experimental) airplane with Signature Finish paint for boats. Their method uses a two roller wet roller, dry roller approach. Here's a link to a write up I did about it:

https://www.homebuiltairplanes.com/...g-for-metal-aircraft.24955/page-2#post-539495

 

[Bell206]

legally

As mentioned above, yes you could perform the repaint under prevent mx and sign it off. But as also mentioned, the stabilator is a balanced control and technically it would require a balance check/re-balance after the tips were repainted which requires removal of the stabilator. The other items have no issue.

Could I use this paint,

Yes you could, but I would be suspect of its durability as it is formulated for the marine environment. Not all polyurethanes are created equal. For example, the Interlux appears to have a lower percentage of solids vs a comparable "aircraft" specific poly. The tech sheet also mentions not to apply to "flexible" base material. But it could still be used.

my newfound skills

There are also a number of higher solid polyurethanes that can be brushed via your same technique vs spray only. With so many variables out there, one option is to visit a paint shop and discuss what you want to do and the method of application. Or you can contact Interlux direct and question them the same.

 

[Tom-D]

In reality, there is no way to tell.

Too many ways to apply, and too many paint products.

This is why the FAA requires a re-weigh of the aircraft. The only way to tell how much the paint weighs is to put in on the scale.

 

[Huckster79]

I’ve had great luck as a real rookie- epoxy primer and single stage auto paint... on a $15 “purple gun” from harbor freight Aviation... once ya coat it and are done let it flash off and spray it with a light coat of reducer and it comes out amazing!

 

[NordicDave]

I’ve had great luck as a real rookie- epoxy primer and single stage auto paint... on a $15 “purple gun” from harbor freight Aviation... once ya coat it and are done let it flash off and spray it with a light coat of reducer and it comes out amazing!

What spray reducer as a second coat?

 

[Huckster79]

What spray reducer as a second coat?

whatever reducer you used for the paint formula...

I would just run some lacquer thinner through my gun till that was gone, an ounce goes a long way. Then put reducer in the paint cup and spray the hangar wall a second, then hit my paint with a mist of it- basically as if it were another coat of paint.

I am no pro painter- learned how to do my planes interior (painted it instead of upholstery) just a year or two ago. Then this year repainted my gear legs, the belly and the panel just aft of the cowling including the panel under the door to undo all the seatbelt dings... If you can paint with a rattle can you can paint with a gun... I was intimidated by it till I tried it... now I’ll never use a rattle can if I can help it...