Composite-Arf paint
 

Anyone know what kind of paint Comp-Arf uses? I have used their white touchup to cover seams and I like the way it sprays and how easy it is to rub out the overspray and to polish. It would be nice to be able to purchase the same or an equivalent paint in a variety of colors and in larger quantities.

Jim

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

Jim
you can order the paint in 1/2 pint cans direct from CARF. Don't forget the activator. I believe it is a 2part Urathane?

Dick

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

That is correct 2 part urethane. I use the same reducer as I would for the PPG Concept paints. I can't remember the "model number." I don't know that the paint comes in larger quantities. If color matching (of comp-arf colors) is not an issue an automotive paint jobber can scan monokote/ultracote colors and mix the colors. Radio South paints can be ordered using the film covering names and you can order by the ounce instead of having to purchase by the half or whole pint. I have painted a couple of Impacts with PPG Concept and am about to do an Integral. The colors were purchased from RS. The white from comparf is good for touching up seams. The second time I purchased paint from RS I only got the colors. The activator and reducers I purchased locally.

Speaking of covering seams what techniques do you use for the painting and feathering/rubbing out part of the seams. It's something I still struggle with.

Good Luck!
Tom

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

I thought they used tape for some reason.

Greg Grigsby

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

Yes. Tape on my YAK. Very good color matching.

Vicente "Vince" Bortone

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

I did buy the touch up paint from them and it appeared to be about 3 ounces in a 4 ounce can. I can't even find that on their web site now but I was hoping to find an equivalent paint that was packaged in at least 8 ounce cans with a nice selection of colors. I've used the Radio South paint in the past and find it less user friendly to apply and find it very hard, making it difficult to polish out flaws.

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

You need to take the high spots off and fill the low spots and spray about an inch wide swatch down the seam. Then rub it out with 3M finesse it.

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

Jim - Thanks for the information. I'll try that. You're right, the Concept paints are much harder. You might have to cruise an automotive refinishing forum to see if there are brands/lines that are not as hard. Those guys might know. Nice job on the chin cowl!

Thanks, Tom

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

Jim

I tried your suggestion and it worked well. I also found this:

http://www.carf-models.com/public_ca...pareParts.html

If you look under the Aerobatic Prop Planes category the drop down will list the Integral and the Valiant. Looking at versions other than the all white will give you the colors for each plane as well as white. Some colors may be more available than others. You know how that goes.

Tom

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

I'm getting better with the Tamiya lacquer.

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

looks great Jim

Woodie
Team Acme LG

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

IS the tamiya laquer fuel proof?

I assume not.

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

Fuel proof? Can you say 'electric'? Those used electrons don't damage lacquer too much. Jim has converted to the 'light' side.

Woodie
Team Acme LG

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

I can say electric.


It doesn't matter what Jim is flying with, I was asking about the PAINT.

Notice, PAINT, not POWERSOURCE.

Also I assumed not because Jim IS flying electric.

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

OK, I should have put the little smiley face behind my statement. My bad.

Most lacquers are not fuel proof for anything over about 10% nitro. Even hot exhaust can make the lacquer 'soft'.

Woodie
Team Acme LG

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

I did use lacquer way back in the day and no it isn't fuel proof. It is not a very rugged paint and it remains to be seen how it will hold up even on an electric. However, I believe it will be easy to touch up and I will find out before I finish this plane because it already needs some touchup. I found that it you leave any masking tape on it too long, the solvents in the tape attack it. That is why I was asking about the Comp-Arf paint, I'm not completely satisfied with the lacquer and would like to find something better. I'd just like to find larger cans than Comp-Arf offers.

Jim

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

Has anyone found what compatible paint would work with repairing a Composite arf plane.
I will need a primer, white and red to fix a mishap. I don't mind using another brand paint,
I just need to know what type paint is compatible when I take it to the auto paint store for a color match.
Thanks

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

The PPG Concept line is compatible. I have used it to paint the trim colors on 3 all white Comp-arf planes. The colors may also be available from comp-arf plow the accessories area of the web site. I have gotten their white to do seam work. Thety don't sell the reducer but the reducer intended for the PPG Concept line of paints is compatible. The Concept paints are glossy and fuel proof - don't require a clear coat. I imagine that other brands of the same type as Concept will work also. The primer usable with Concept paints will also work on the existing factory material. The name escapes me know but the paint store can tell you what works with teh Concept paints.

Good Luck, Tom

RE: Composite-Arf paint
 

Tom,

I wonder if you have weighted the plane, before and after paint. I am thinking getting the comp-arf integral myself, including the all-white version. The power system will be electric so the paint (if any) can be minimal and and only serves the purpose of "making it look slightly nice".

Appreciate any advice and pictures.

QC