Comments on painting an AT-6 canopy. I intend to first dye it with Ritz dye at 130 dg, then paint the dividers. Should I paint inside or outside? Must I use an airbrush system or can I use Rustolium from the can? I understand that the "gas" should be allowed to boil off first in a cup, then use the paint. Can I brush it on and not get streaks? All comments very welcome.

I would suggest you mask the outside of the canopy before dyeing it. I didn't and the fuel made the color run onto the fuselage. I would also lightly sand the canopy rails to allow the paint to stick a little better. I think you can use the Rustoleum if it is sprayed into a container but you should try it on a scap piece of canopy to see if that is the effect you want. Hope it works out!

Obtain a product called Liquid Masking Film (Bob Dively produces it). It is a liquid latex preparation which may be painted or sprayed (when thinned properly). Paint or spray several coats on the outside of the entire canopy. You'll need several coats to make the film easier to remove later. Then, when it has dried, carefully cut thru the film with a sharp Xacto blade along the edges of the framework and remove the latex film from the areas to be painted. You can now paint or spray the canopy framework. When the paint has dried, remove the latex film from the 'window' areas and you have a beautiful canopy.

Skyrider2

Thanks for the info. Has anyone else had problems with the dye running off from the canopy? If I mask the outside as suggested, does this create streaks as the dye soaks through the masking?
Happydog

Test a small piece first. It's the only way to be sure about the particular materials you are using.