Painting the Airplane

Painting Options I have really agonized over how to do a good job of painting the plane. All that good woodworking is covered over and all anyone sees is the finished plane. I have liked what I've seen of planes painted with latex, and have decided to go that route. It is something I can do without expensive paint, spray equipment and fancy spray booths. I will explore the Sherwin Williams paints first as many have had good luck with their paint.

I have made a test frame to try out the paint over the fabric.

Looking at color combinations.

Trying out the colors and paint techniques on the test frame. Now to try it on an airplane part.

I painted the gear legs first. I wanted to see how the paint would roll on before taking on a more visable part. They turned out pretty good.

The paint factory. Fin and elevator.

The fin in light blue. The dark blue trm yet to be applied. (July 2004)

The dark blue and trim strips on the stabilator and elevator.

The canopy is painted all in the dark blue.

I painted the fuselage the light blue first.

Then added the dark blue and trim. The wings are the next and last thing to paint. The paint is going on pretty good, especially on the fabric. The fiber glass parts are harder to get a good finish. (Sept. 2004)

The left wing complete.