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I need to create the windows on my Trainer. I'm thinking about masking and stripping off the monokote in the area then spraying them with a gloss black or silver paint to create them. Will that be sufficient protection for the wood? I hate to have to order a full roll of covering for such a small area. There is no LHS here that carries covering either, so I need to either travel or wait for it to be shipped in.

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Griffin_NC

I need to create the windows on my Trainer. I'm thinking about masking and stripping off the monokote in the area then spraying them with a gloss black or silver paint to create them. Will that be sufficient protection for the wood? I hate to have to order a full roll of covering for such a small area. There is no LHS here that carries covering either, so I need to either travel or wait for it to be shipped in.

That should be OK. A couple of things you will need to keep in mind.

1. Use "Fuel Proof" paint (AeroGloss brand or similar)

OR

2. IF you decide to use a regular paint, make sure you clear coat it. Ultracote or Lusterkote clear work well. Another thing you can clear coat with is MinWax PolyCrylic. My experience with the MinWax is that 2 sprayed coats is fuel resistant to 10%. I determined this by pouring raw fuel on a test panel and letting it sit for 24 hours. At the end of 24 hours the PolyCrylic was a little soft, but the paint underneath was fine. I have found in regular use (cleaning the plane at the end of the day) that the PolyCrylic held up just fine. I am on my second season with my "regular" plane with no signs of deteriation.

You can also use Trim Monocote. It comes in a sheet that's like 6" wide by 36" long. It's got adhesive on the back, so you just cut out your design and stick it on. It's a LOT cheaper than a while roll of monocote.

You can also just mask and paint. No need to strip off the covering.

Thanks. Think I might try using the Minwax clear coat over it. I'm guessing I should be able to pick it up and most lowes/home depot's.

I agree with Minn. Just mask it off. Scuff it lightly with fine steel wool. And spray it with some Krylon or whatever you can get at your local ---Mart.

Mark Shuman

If you want real windows just apply some Monkote clear over the window spaces. Of course that implies that you have open spaces for the windows. If you don't want to cut away the fuselage area. Connery had the best idea- trim Monokote black. Just cut out the shape you want and stick it on.