Well, I am just about done covering my GP Tracer with Sig Koverall. The plan is to brush a couple coats of Nirtrate dope then a coat of nitrate/talcum to seal it. Sig color dope is to be used for final painting in two coats or so. Then a final coat of Lite-Coat butyrate clear for fuel proofing. I am not looking for a glass smooth finish, just something I don't have to tighten up every week!

My question is......what setup should I use for the painting. I am leaning towards a Campbell-Hausfield 5hp/125psi compressor and Porter-Cable gravity feed detail gun. Total cost about $250. I can use the compressor/gun around the house for other things too. In addition, I have a Badger 200 single action airbrush I could attach to the compressor. What do you guys use?

Thanks,
Beau

BTW...so far the Koverall/dope has added 3.2 oz to the overall weight. With engine & retracts, but no radio gear the plane is 68 oz (4lb4oz).

Pic #2

I use a regular Paasche airbrush to paint my planes. I also use the Nitrate dope and talc base with good results. However I think it will take a few more than 2 coats of color to cover properly.

On my last plane it took 5 coats to cover with maroon Sig dope. Not a problem because the stuff dries to the touch so fast you can shoot one coat after another as long as they aren't too heavy. You'll have to thin to almost water consistency. A little retarder is not a bad idea as well as a little plasticizer to keep the finish flexible.

I suggest that you finish with 2 coats of clear on top of everything for good gloss.

I feel you would be better off using the air brush as you can better control the amount of paint you are applying in small and tight areas.

Miloh.

I also use an airbrush to paint almost any type of paint, and a large compressor. I use the badger 250, which is a single action external mix head and thin the paint thin enough to get it up the tube and mix well at the head. The only problem with an airbrush is the limitations of the supply bottle. I have painted more than 1 1/4 scale Cub with the Badger. I turn the pressure down to 30psi and do some test spraying and go to painting.
I have also used a detail gun when I have a large project to do. I bought the detail gun at Harbor Freight for 39.99 and it works great.
If your color coats are going to be dope you will nead the Sig retarding agent and the Pasticizer like 2fast mentioned.
I also recommend waiting for a low humidity day if possible because dope can sure blush on you if it is to wet or cold outside. I used Sig products for years and if it is a dope finish you want the Sig stuff is hard to beat.