One update on the latex:

I finally got my prop adapter and started swinging the 2 blade, prop. I'm getting quite a bit of raw fuel spitting from my carb (I don't know that this is normal - never had such an experience with my chainsaw, line trimmer, etc., but those had air filter systems on them). I'm finding that the raw fuel oil mixture will soften the latex, even after the latex has set for over a year.

Keep the raw fuel/oil off your latex paint job. If it gets on your paint, wipe it off gently, first spraying it with some Windex or similar product, then lightly touching with a paper towel or other disposable rag (I set such rags off to the side for a week or so before disposing of them, to let the gas evaporate off of them).

If you follow this method, the latex will harden again. If you don't, and press/wipe hard, you'll peel the paint off!

If you can't keep the fuel/oil off the paint, consider coating the areas that are likely to get exposed with a gas proof material - I have heard of others using polyurethanes, (such as used on floors, outdoor furniture, etc - again, low VOC content) but have not tried this myself, yet.

I'm looking to first understand if there is something wrong with my engine setup. The engine runs great at all settings. I cover the right inboard wing, fuse side and gear with newspapers before running the engine (cowl off) - after 10 minutes of run time, the newspapers are soaked through to the point that I still get fuel/oil on the paint. This just doesn't seem right.