RC Stout

My Feedback: (4)

I'm building a Sig Kadet Senior kit and I am adding a fiberglass cowl, and I'm to the point of covering. When is the best time to fuel proof the firewall, before or after covering? and one more question I'm covering it in Yellow Monokote with black trim, after fuel proofing the firewall with epoxy can it be painted?

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

I usually hit the firewall with some flat black paint, then I use epoxy over the paint to fuel proof it. I try to avoid thinning the epoxy if possible. Put epoxy on the surface and then hit it with your heat gun. It will thin out and flow into the grain of the wood. I usually fuel proof before I cover.

Hope this helps

seanreit

My Feedback: (60)

You should epoxy the firewall prior to painting, and yes, paint sticks to cured epoxy very well!

RC Stout

My Feedback: (4)

Thanks, that was the information I was looking for.

FlyingPilgrim

My Feedback: (26)

I have epoxied over paint for firewalls and had the epoxy peel off for lack of adhesion. If you opt to paint first, then epoxy, scuff the surface prior to applying the epoxy. The last plane I did, I skipped the paint, and just epoxied. The clear finish looks just as good as painted, and one less step.

Pilgrim

lownslo

I usually epoxy the firewall before covering..... but.... After covering I like to put a bead of thinned epoxy over the edge of the covering where it meets the firewall. This will "fuel proof that pesky edge" that likes to come loose. I paint my firewall with flat black. Apply the epoxy and it will end up glossy anyway. I have done at least 3 firewalls this way and have never had an epoxy adhesion problem. I don't "load on" the paint, just enough to cover.... hoping that the alcohol-thinned-epoxy will penetrate the light coat of paint slightly. It must work.... I have had zero problems doing this. ....lownslo

grump010

My Feedback: (2)

I tint the epoxy when I'm mixing it. Epoxy tint is available from any boat supply or fiberglass company and comes in many many colors. I've used this method on about 15 to 20 airplanes so far and haven't had a problem. Color matching to your covering is much easier this way. The last 2 models I've built I've done 2 thinned coats, 1 before the covering and 1 after the covering (covering only overlaps about 1/8" to 3/16" onto fiewall). This appears to work very well, lots of flights on both airplanes without any peelback of the covering and I use 15% fuel.
Just my $.02, hope it helps.

blikseme300

My Feedback: (118)

I use thin CA to fuel proof firewalls and other exposed bits. I do this once I have completed covering. Around the edges it helps to prevent the covering from pulling away. Paint sticks to it once cured as well. Just be very careful not to mess and don't get it into anchor nuts or control links.

Yeah, I know I am always in a hurry.

Safe Flying!

TexasAirBoss

My Feedback: (22)

Cover the plane first.

Paint firewall with dope

Then paint on a thinned coat of epoxy. Cut the epoxy with alcohol.

The epoxy coat will remain tacky for a few days, but it will cure hard.

THe covering is now sealed down and there is no worry about fuel pentrating under the edges.