Hi All

I was wanting some advice on propellers and have couple of queries:

1) I have a grey 11 x 6 prop made of plastic (of some composite description I don't know). I was wanting to get the tips painted as the propeller is invisible when in operation and I tend to think a danger you can't see is a bit of a danger! Can anyone tell me how to go about painting the tips (simple enough)? That is, what paint to use (cheapest preferrably) and application? Is paper white out suitable? If so this would be practical as I could probably nab some from the office rather than having to buy a tin of something that I am only going to use a tea spoon of. Obvious criteria is something that will stick and isn't going to comprimise the integrity of the prop itself (that is weaken).

Also is the weight of the paint enough to significantly alter the balance if you just do the ends?

2) How critical is prop balancing, and what is the best way to go about it? The hobby shop rep showed me a $A50 dollar prop balancer, but I really can't justify spending this kind of money to balance a prop that is only worth only a few dollars. For that price I could buy probably 10 props and most likely a couple would be perfectly balanced straight from the factory.

There is a cheap finger tip balancer but he (the shop assistant) said it isn't effective. But perhaps there is some tricks to getting some reasonable results out of these cheaper ones? The store person said something about setting it up on a couple of old rasor blades but I am not sure exactly what setup he is proposing. Can anyone advise further? Perhaps this finger tip balancer isn't ideal but it should provide an indication if the prop is out of whack. My existing one may already be out because looks like one end has hit the runway with a hard landing.

Then, once you have identifed whether or not its balanced, how do you recommend balancing it? I have heard some comments about sanding down the heavier end, but I would find this a hassle. I have read another comment about simply sticking tape on the lighter end.

Experts please weigh in!!!

Thanks in advance...

Da Meister!!!