Fellow Builders:
Since this conversation is one that is repeated often as builders get
closer to flying, I thought I would put this dialog on the Helpers web page.
Your comments and additions are welcome. Jerry-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Newlan <napawine@wine.com>
To: Jerry Sjostrand <jerico@sierratel.com>
Date: Tuesday, August 04, 1998 12:23 PM
Subject: Re: Express
(Bruce Newlan wrote:)
Jerry:Thanks for the tip. Since I have never painted before, I don't know what's
involved to get them (the airplane parts) ready to 280 or 320 (sanding grit).
How much sanding, how long will it take, and what filler etc, etc.? I have this
great two stage compressor at my residence, so I guess I better take it over there.
I do have 220v available there. Or, should I get a smaller portable compressor
and not bother with the work involved in moving the big one. When it's time
to paint, I had assumed I would have it done by an outside painter, and they
would probably want it in their shop. Or, should I get a painter to come into
my place? What are your feelings in these topics? I had planned on flying
the airplane before I finished painting it. Isn't this best?Thanks, Bruce
(Jerry Sjostrand wrote:)Hi Bruce,
I meant to make a suggestion to you about the paint prep. Do the bottom
of your wings before you mount them. Have them ready to paint if at all
possible. Sanded to at least 280 or 320 grit with all pin holes filled,
etc.. The underside of the wings are hell to do after they are in place. The
same is true of the bottoms of the horizontal stabilizers.Good to hear from you and that you are making progress.
Cheers, Jerry
(Jerry wrote to:) Bruce, (Bob Gisburne, Reinhard Metz, and Bill Copeland)You need now to decide who will paint your Express when and where
so you can get on with the prep work. Check locally with other builders
to see what & who they recommend. My feeling is to paint the airplane
while it is in pieces so you can get the cleaner job. What did Dick Lind
say about painting?If you are going to have someone work in your hanger and use air tools,
you will need a good compressor. Of course the one you have at home would be
great if you can spare it. It sounds like you should have it at the hanger.
I can help you with loaned tools, ideas about prep work, etc..Talk to Reinhard Metz about his painting effort. He painted in his
basement and completed the job including the numbers and trim before taking
it to the airport. It is now together and ready to fly. Painting later is
what Bob Gisburne is wrapped up in-----over 2 years later. Talk to Bob
Gisburne for ideas.Have you fellows any advice to offer Bruce????????
Cheers, Jerry
Bruce: (from Bob G.)
I would paint in pieces and assemble for first flight.
For the following reasons:1. The wing is difficult to paint UNDER!
2. The fuselage is difficult to paint UNDER!
3. Better coverage is possible on mating surfaces; ie. the wing root
fairing to fuselage intersection.4. Smaller pieces to work with.
5. If you fly before paint, you are not interested in painting, you are
interested in flying... thus it takes two years to get back to it.6. If you fly before paint, you will spend HOURS cleaning dirt, grime and
oil out of small inconspicuous places where it lurks and repels paint...7. People laugh at your incomplete plane, point at it and make rude
comments behind your back.8. No paint slows you down and requires you to make bigger lies regarding
performance.I hope this helps!
Bob (Gisburne)
Bruce,
Actually, I painted in my garage. the stuff is too toxic for the basement. In
any case, I recommend painting in pieces very strongly: You can get into places,
like space between aileron and flap for example, much better and get a neater,
more finished looking job.
Jerry,
Just received this additional note from Reinhard to add to the "comments". All strongly in favor of painting before assembly of your airplane. 8/17/98
I just got back from vacation, so missed dome of this exchange. I did apparently
respond without sending you a copy. The substance was as follows:
I am emphatically for painting before assembly. The number of places that are
difficult to prepare and paint properly in the assembled mode are innumerable!
And the appearance of some places, like looking into ends of ailerons and flaps,
for example, if painted separately, is awfull. Painted after assembly has to
result in some cracking or chafing interfaces that will look ugly as well, such
as the wing fairing to fuselage interface.
And as far as the desire to fly and having advertised a completion time is
concerned, I got used to putting "do it right and safe" as the higher priority a
long time ago. At this point, another few months or half year don't matter!
Reinhard Metz
(from Bruce Newlan) Thank you gentlemen for all of your ideas. I certainly agree
with Bob's reasons, however, the downside is that I would have to have someone
do most of this, and fairly soon. Also could be rather expensive. I always thought
everyone flew their new airplane before painting it, but I guess not. Sure don't want
to delay flying it. I've had a personal goal of it flying before the end of 1998. Since
I've said it publicly now, guess I will really have to do it. I don't think that
Bob liked the "desert storm" jokes. Yes, cleaning after flying could be an extra
time consuming task. I don't mind taking the good compressor to the hangar, but
I have to find someone to help paint. Know anyone I can trade wine for
sanding/painting labor?
BruceCompany: Newlan Winery <napawine@wine.com>
Jerry Sjostrand @ <gsjostrand@sierratel.com>
