aviator79's build

[aviator79]

Someone recommended "fine line" masking tape, which is apparently more vinyl-like than the green 3M product I used. If I had it to do over again, I'd plan to just use vinyl striping from the get-go. I ordered the strips from Aerographics. The vinyl is very thin, and a little trickier to apply than a roll you could get at the auto parts store, but looks like it's painted on. I do NOT think it would do curves well unless it were a very thin line. However, if you wanted curved decals, you should talk to them. I only have good things to say about their customer service. My scheme intentionally has no curves. (Easier to paint and easier to repair.)

Edit: I do have 60' of 3/8" white striping left. Anyone is welcome to it for the cost of shipping.

[aviator79]

I guess the winter weather will prevent a December 15 first flight ......

The weather, yeah, that's it...

Last time I tried targeting a date, it blew up in my face, so while I have a rough idea in mind, I'm not going to tempt fate. I'll just say that I hope to see some of you guys at fly-ins in 2019, which, if it happens, would be far sooner than I had planned when I started.

[Esser]

Really nice job Brian, and I particularly like the Kitfox logo on the tail. I guess the winter weather will prevent a December 15 first flight ......



This is an issue I’m concerned about as well. I am planning on having several stripes on my final paint scheme and Ross (Mt Beauty in Victoria, Aus) pointed this out to me some time back. The colour bleed seems to be an issue.

Hit the area with the base coat first and then with the colour. You’ll seal up the paint line with the base colour first then.

[David47]

The weather, yeah, that's it...

Last time I tried targeting a date, it blew up in my face...

Yep, setting a target sets you up to fall at the first hurdle.

[Mcgaero]

I love your paint scheme Brian, it's looking really nice!

[David47]

Hit the area with the base coat first and then with the colour. You’ll seal up the paint line with the base colour first then.

Will try that before taping, Thx.

[Esser]

You want to do it once it’s taped. Tape, base coat, color

[jmodguy]

I used 3M fineline tape. Comes in varying widths and does not bleed. Its vinyl and curves well enough. My friend that owns an auto paint shop uses it on his planes.

[rv9ralph]

Just to recap what Esser is saying. If base coat is blue, after painting blue, tape for second color, spray tape line with blue to seal, spray with second color. This of course is waiting for dry times.

Is this correct Josh?

Ralph

[Esser]

Yes, from what I’m told (I’m no expert) that no mater how good the tape is, the fabric has weave which can cause the paint to start migrating under the tape cause it’s not a perfectly flat surface. The theory is you seal that weave with your base colour so if it bleeds through, you can’t see it. Once that weave is full of paint, you hit it with your accent colour. The paint will not flow under the tape because it’s already filled with the base colour that you just sprayed.

As a fair warning, I never did this as I used vinyl stripes. But it was some advice I got from someone who had painted a few fabric planes.