I'm building a Great Planes PT-60. It's all framed and I'm about to start the covering. I've got Ultracoat as the basic covering and I have some Monokote that I'm going to use for trim. I plan on using trhe Windex method for applying the trim like I read about in one of these forums. I bought some Lustrecoat spray paint that I will use to fuel proof the engine compartment.

My question is do I paint first and then put Ultracote right up to the edge of the painted area or can the ends of the Ultracote overlap some of the painted area? Or, do I do all the covering first and then paint the engine compartment last and paint right up to the Ultracote?

I used to build and fly about 25 years ago but I'm getting started in the hobby again. I've beem out of it so loing I consider myself a beginner and could really use some direction on this.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. - K01S

I'n no building pro, but why not just fuel proof the engine compartment with dope, & epoxy on the firewall, then just cover the whole plane & skip the paint? Just a thought.

Thanks for the quick reply elenasgrumpy. I guess I don't really understand what fuel proofing is. I bought some Lustrekote paint in a spray can. I was going to spray paint the ngine compartment with it and I thought that was all I needed to do to make it fuel proof. I'll have to get some dope and epoxy.

After I do that and start covering the model does the monokote stop where the paint begins or should I overlap the covering onto the edge of the paint? I know I'm not good at explaining things but hope my question makes sense. Any ideas?

Hi!
Always cover first and fuel proof later!
But there are not really any fuel proof paint available in hobby shops (even worldwide).
Fuelproof paint (that could stand 5%-15% or more nitro for longer periods of time ) is 2 part urethane boat paint (can be brushed on or sprayed) or 2 part automotive paints (have to be sprayed on) like Sikkens, Glasurite, PPG, etc. These automotive acrylic paints are very toxic and you preferable spray them outside wearing a professional gas mask.These are the paints used by many competitors worldwide in pylonracing and scale where a good durable finnish is wanted.

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden

Fuel proofing is keeping the fuel residue from soaking into the Balsa wood or any part of the wood. When that happens, the joints fail or come unglued. I usually mix up a bit of epoxy and thin it with alcohol and get a thin hobby paintbrush and just coat the inside of the engine area.

Thanks for the tips. I will cover first!! - k01s