New Paint Booth

I actually did what I should have done from the beginning: build a framed paint booth. Since the wings and fuse are done, decided to build a small 8x10 booth to paintup odds and ends through the rest of the project. Has high flow inlet air filter and high cfm exhaust fan. Should keep the overspray out and off of the rest of my shop.

Painting: Fuselage

The painting is finally starting to reach it's end. The fuselage is complete. First pics show primer coats being applied, sanded and washed.

The baggage compartment and BRS mount and bridles were masked for protection. No paint required beyond the sheeting shown, as there is a plastic trim piece that will conceal a good percentage of the opening perimeter.

Following pic shows the completely primed and sanded fuse ready for topcoat. First pic shows fine line tape applied, the top of which, marks the division between white and red topcoats. First topcoat to go on is red.

Next pic shows masking paper applied to fine line tape.

I then sheeted the remaining fuse with plastic. Now ready to spray.

Here is application of Matador Red topcoat.

Next, I masked and sheeted all of the newly painted red areas and then sprayed the entire fuse (including cockpit) insignia white (not shown until end).

Now, after the fuselage has been painted either red or white, I then masked off the area for the gray stripe. The gray stripe is painted over the white topcoat 1/2" below the red. This will leave a desired white stripe between the main gray stripe and overlying red. I used 1/2" fine line tape to effect this.

Here is how she looks after pulling it off the stand and getting it back on the gear. Overall, I'm pleased with the results. Had a few areas where "bleed-through" occurred under the fine line tape, such as where the tape was placed over the pinked serrated edge of the dacron covering tape or where the tape was mitered together at turns in the stripe. Also, had a few areas where runs occurred, which were sanded down, but are still evident under proper angle and lighting. I've resolved not to let myself get bogged down with perfection and adhere to the "10 foot rule". Note: the hole on the tail is where I cut my first opening in an inspection ring. A painted metal cover will conceal this. I had to open here in order to get wrench on the bolt that holds the tail spring. Must say it was decidedly tough to put a razor blade through the finished painted skin.

Now on to the doors which will be tricky as have to carry the split red/white and gray stripe forward in perfect alignment to that shown above.