I agree with Bob Smiley (and others) on this. I painted my
airplane before final assembly and first flight, but would probably not do so
again. I was lucky in that I didn’t have any major mis-alignments, but in
spite of my best care, I managed to put a couple of dings in the paint during completion.
A year into flying, I’m also finding “pulls” in the surface
where certain fasteners—particularly those associated with the pressure
vessel-- “dimple” the surface. It also appears to me that the filler
over certain fasteners shrinks just a bit, in spite of the fact that I covered
them with a layer of carbon cloth. I also missed a few of them…
The “pulls” are not very noticeable…you need
to know what you are looking for, and even the dings are not particularly
detracting, but “the builder knows for sure.” That is to say, I
know they are there, and can’t fail to take notice… L
Lastly, Bob’s bottom line below is particularly relevant
to me: I LOVE this airplane; it has taken me all over the US in the past year
and 280 flying hours. Judy and I are now in Anchorage, AK with it and plan to
run around the west coast a bit before heading back to VA. I hope to finish the
interior…someday… J
Bob
From: Lancair Mailing
List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of Bob Smiley
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 11:58 PM
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Subject: [LML] Re: Fly in primer?
I
understand your dilema. There is no problem with flying in primer.
I build a new bird, flew in primer for two years then painted it. I
thought I was done with primer the first time but as time went on. it shrank
and there were interference problems and other minor things like you
mentioned. Fix them then clean and sand thoroughly and do your finish
primer and seal coat prior to color. I think that is the preferable way
to get a top finish that will last and not shrink. If after a few years
you begin to see the glass weave refracting through the clear coat,
do not be surprised. This s a glass plane after all and 99% of the
admirers won't even notice. Only you and a fussy paint expert who
knows. And besides as we get older and you fly for three years you won't
even care let alone remember.