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In response to Micah Froese's question about HVLP paint systems, I can fill
you in on a little in this regard.

After getting several quotes for painting my (early) 235, that ranged from
around $4K to as high as $6.5K, I decided to do it myself. Since the quotes
I got were for an airframe filled, sanded, primed, etc., I figured the cost
of a HVLP system (around $600 from AC Spruce) was a bargain. All I had to do
was to figure out how to shoot the thing myself. I bought the Croix #7 unit
which provides it's own heated and filtered air to the gun, which also comes
as part of the system.

The actual painting was a piece of cake. What took the most time and effort
was building a large enough spray booth (mine was big enough to house all
parts of the airplane at the same time - maybe 30 x 30 ft), including
installing two large fans to exhaust the "tent" and the addition of six 24 x
24 inch furnace filters to the walls to let fresh air in.

The HVLP system lets even tyros at the game to do a very creditable job. I'm
not saying that N235SP's paint job is flawless, but I've gotten plenty of
compliments on it over the years.

I shot a catalyzed acrylic enamel from PPG (I think it was called Delthane,
but it WAS a lot of years ago). Very easy to apply and I'm sure that if I'd
had just a little bit more practice, it would have been even nicer. The
paint has held up very well even in the occasional rain, leading edges clean
off easily and quickly with things like Formula 409.

The only problems I've had is at the wing separation lines where, early on,
some of us used a 3M plastic tape to cover the gap and that will pull the
paint off after being on there for a year or so. Probably true of any paint.

Incidentally, anyone in the Spokane or Coeur d'Alene area that would like to
use my HVLP unit, it's just sitting in my hangar and you're welcome to
borrow it.

Dan Schaefer

LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.