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> I've heard the metallic
> particles cause antenna interference (potentially drastic reception range
> reduction). Have you had any trouble? Any comments as to why or why not?
> I
> would love to use a metallic paint but not at the expense of nav/comm
> performance.
A small amount of aluminum powder is part of the formula for
metallic paint, but the only electrical result is that your fiberglass plane
is a better target on someone's radar screen. Aviation communications, VOR,
transponder and GPS wavelengths are of such length that the aluminum powder
is almost non-reflective (Wavelength x Frequency = Speed of Light).
I have an ICOM A-200 transceiver, with communications antenna
installed in the vertical stab and typically have clear transmission and
reception for 50+ miles at altitude. Whoever's stating that metallic paint
adversely affects reception and transmission is wrong.
> Also, what experience have people had with clearcoats? Someone recently
> recommended against it because of discoloration with age but are there
> other
> opinions? And do we have to live with those nasty edges between paint
> colors
> (caused by tape lines) or is there a way to smooth them (say, by covering
> everything with a coat of clear)?
If clearcoats discolor with age, there would be a lot of
discolored cars out there. Furthermore, many cars are painted dark colors,
which make them a LOT hotter than your typical plane and they still don't
discolor. Automobile manufacturers spend mucho $$$ on paint equipment and
research. Most new cars are now painted with DuPont Chromabase and many
shops use it exclusively. If go with Chromabase, use the premium clearcoat
for a few dollars more.
Also, pastels are OK on your composite airplane. Mine is colored a
medium blue and green. Sitting in the full sun on the hottest summer day
here in Virginia, I estimate the green surfaces reach 110 degrees F and the
blue reach 115 degrees F. That's far below the glass transition temperature
of 160 degrees for your wet lay-ups. [Marv has already addressed trim
lines].
Bill Rumburg
N403WR (Sonic bOOm)
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LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
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