How do you cover the engine cowl?
 

How do you cover the engine cowl? Do you paint it, or can you cover it with Monokote or something? Engine cowls seem to match so well with the rest of the airplane that I not sure. Sorry if this is a stupid question.
Thanks, airzinho

RE: How do you cover the engine cowl?
 

I would like to know also. I painted the cowl on my Cub with some Krylon yellow paint. After a while, I noticed that the oil from the fuel makes the paint easily wiped off....oil resistant paint my butt.

RE: How do you cover the engine cowl?
 

Most paint them however Krylon is not fuel proof, Rustoleum resists fuel pretty well but after you paint it let it sit about a week to cure fully before you get fuel on it. For a better match to your covering Top Flight sells paint to match along with a lot of the other companies that make the covering.

Hope I helped you guys out a little
Dauntae

RE: How do you cover the engine cowl?
 

Airzinho,

Are you a brazilian by any chance?

Nilo

RE: How do you cover the engine cowl?
 

You can paint with Krylon, but you should then apply a clear fuel proof paint.

Luster coat ( the line form Monokote) is mixed to match their line of covering (Monokote) and is fuel proof. They also sell a clear spray, to 'fuel proof' painted surfaces and decals.

PPG paint, which is typically 'car paint / autobody paint' is also fuel proof..

RE: How do you cover the engine cowl?
 

There are a few good books on using Monocote, and I believe in one of them there are detailed directions to cover these items. It can be done, but takes practice. I think in most cases, unless you're experienced in using monocote, it's easier to just to paint. I've done several cowls in monocote with some very good results, but I've been playing with that stuff for awhile now.

RE: How do you cover the engine cowl?
 

The only paint that I've ever used that was totally impervious to fuel is 2 part epoxy paint that you mix yourself. An automotive paint store can help out with custom color matching but it is expensive!

RE: How do you cover the engine cowl?
 

I don't think I've ever seen anyone put plastic covering on a fiberglass or plastic cowl, though I'm sure someone has done it. I've always seen them painted. The comments above about paint are right one.

Btw, the problem ingredient in the fuel is usually the nitro. There are lots of decals and paints that are fine with 5-10% fuel, but disolve when exposed to 20%.

I've built cowls out of wood and covered them with plastic covering with good results, but it does take a lot of messing around.