Frame color

[dactel]

I’ve seen guys paint just the cockpit tubing black even though the rest of the airframe was white. That’s not that hard to do as long as you think of it before covering, instrument panel and of course the windshield goes in.

That's a great idea.

[dactel]

One good reason for white is that it is the best color for inspecting the frame for cracks or corrosion.

I'm guessing that's because it would be easier to see the area with discoloration...?

[PapuaPilot]

That's correct. Black and dark colors make it very difficult to see problems.

[dactel]

That's correct. Black and dark colors make it very difficult to see problems.

This is a great point. Perhaps what DesertFox4's said about painting only the cockpit tubings black might be a good compromise...

[jmodguy]

From what I understand - if you are worried about cracks in the tubing you should not powdercoat. Powdercoat is somewhat flexible and can hide cracks. If you are worried about cracks, use white paint.
A lot of the airframe tubing will be covered by fabric and not visible anyway, i.e. tubes that are wrapped to secure the fabric.

[Hoenshell]

I’ve seen guys paint just the cockpit tubing black even though the rest of the airframe was white. That’s not that hard to do as long as you think of it before covering, instrument panel and of course the windshield goes in.

I have found a Kitfox IV project that is already covered and the tubing is painted red. How hard would it be to paint the cockpit tubing black? It has been covered, but no panel, no windshield yet.

[jmodguy]

Mask off anything you don’t want painted, scuff with maroon scotchbright, clean up the dust and squirt paint on it!

[PapuaPilot]

Mask off anything you don’t want painted, scuff with maroon scotchbright, clean up the dust and squirt paint on it!

That is what I did. My frame came with the color of Forest Green and I painted it white, but just in the cabin area. I painted it before covering though, which was a lot easier than what you will need to do.

[JoeRuscito]

Im contemplating this same decision. Does anyone have any thoughts/experiences with a grey frame? Im thinking it might be a compromise between less windshield reflections but not too dark to hide rust/cracks.

[dactel]

I’ve ordered mine with gloss black powder coating. I decided against flat black thinking that it might be harder to keep scuff marks and such off. Yes glossy finish will probably reflect the sun light more but it’s a compromise... My kit is going to be ready for pickup in October so I’ll see it when it gets here.