Spitfire222

Hi everyone. As the title implies, I'm looking for some advice on how to paint flying props for scale aircraft, and is it even a good idea? I've seen several examples/pictures of painted flying props, so I'm assuming its alright if accomplished properly.

What kind of surface prep is required, i.e what grit sandpapers, etc?
Should I prime the surface first?
Should I try to keep the paint layers as thin as possible? (i.e. only one coat)

Basically, whats stopping me from just doing this is I'm wondering how much 3 or so layers of paint (primer, paint, clear coat) will affect the weight and perhaps airfoil (and therefore efficiency) of the prop.

Btw, the prop I'm interested in painting is a Graupner 3-blade 13 x 7 synthetic, but advice for other prop materials would be great too if it's any different.

w8ye

My Feedback: (16)

I'd break the glaze with 400 wet or dry with water.

Be sure and clean with solvent to remove all traces of oil.

Use the Minwax ® Water Based Polyurethane flat over the top

Roby

Typically I use wooden props and do just as
Spitfire222 does for prep. The only difference is
that I use Aero-gloss for paint. (sprayed)

Roby

Spitfire222

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll give it a try! [sm=shades_smile.gif]

The Bluehead

I usually use Master Aircrew props, and the black plastic is hard to see, so I tape off and spray the tips white. I keep it thin and check the balance. Also looks scale on warbirds. For wood props, sand the finish for better stick, tape, paint, and clear coat it. Balance with an extra shot of clear on the lighter blade.

Looks great.

Good luck, Will

Spitfire222

Like you suggested Will, I tried to keep the layers of paint as light as possible.

Here is the completed paint job. I sanded the prop using some 400 grit, cleaned it, and laid down the paint. I think it turned out rather well. All it needs now is a clear coat. At the moment, the balance is pretty close, I'll have to keep an eye out on the clear to make sure it gets better, not worse.

mirwin

My Feedback: (1)

I paint my APC props all the time, on warbirds and aerobats. I use a fine sandpaper to roughen the surface, prime with Rustoleum Gray, hand-rub with fine steel wool, then put one good coat of Rustoleum over it. I use glow engines, and don't worry about clear-coats.

Here's a 16x6 APC. The paint has been on this prop two seasons of heavy use.


Mike

w8ye

My Feedback: (16)

Is she riding that plane side saddle?

mirwin

My Feedback: (1)

You don't want to know all the things that redheaded girl does in the cockpit. . .

Mike

w8ye

My Feedback: (16)

Looks like she does the whirly jig all around when the engine is running

mirwin

My Feedback: (1)

Nah. But her glasses slip down her nose when she does some of the wilder maneuvers.