Rolling your own

[rizzz]

Painted the wing last night, all went smoothly, no runs or sags, very little orange peel.
Still getting some dust specs on the surface here and there though but I guess that's unavoidable in a garage spray job.
Overall I am quite pleased with the results so far.

[rizzz]

Some learnings here BTW:
- I have the wing set up fairly low, about 6" from the ground, this is too low, when I started getting towards the lower end I had to work on my knees which is not ideal and makes it hard to maintain a steady hand motion. When I do the other wing I will raise this whole setup to about 3'.
- If you're an amateur like me always start with the bottom side or the side that will be least visible. I've done this every time and been happy that I did. Generally when I do get more orange peel it will be on the first few strokes. For me at least it seems to take a few strokes back and forth to re-acquire the correct speed of movement to get just enough on to minimize orange peel. I guess if you're an experienced spray painter it does not really matter.

[rizzz]

Some more painting done last night:




Not sure why but the red seems to go on easier than the white, I'm getting better shine with less effort (or perhaps I'm just getting better at this whole spray painting business).

Also, 2 coats seems to be all it takes, even with the red over the white primer,
1 very light tack coat followed by a full bodied coat.

[rizzz]

Installed the painted cowl on the aircraft today, just to have a look:


Now I've only got the fuselage to do and I'm done painting.

PS. It feels a bit uncomfortable continuing to just post progress on the forum etc. in light of what has happened this week. It's incredible how someone you've never met can still touch your life in such a way.
I'll dedicate these last few miles I have to go on my project to Jeremy and Mike! All I can do is get another one of these wonderful aircraft in the air.

[Bryan Cotton]

rizzz,
Cowl looks great.

I understand what you mean about posting in light of the tragedy. I felt the same way. In the statement from Sonex, John said the company will continue despite the holes left by Jeremy and Mike. He said that is what Jeremy would have wanted. In that light, despite the grief we all feel, we should keep going and keep posting. We carry a little bit of his legacy.

[Sonex1517]

The cowling looks incredible!

As I was working on my cowling this evening I had similar thoughts. All I can say is "what Bryan said." We go on....


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved

[Corby202]

I will have to use sunglasses next time I see it

[Concorde]

Nice job.

[Rickadler]

What kind of paint did you use?
Rick Adler Waiex 0146

[avee8r]

I agree, it's hard to carry on... SO,
While I'm in OH with the Big Ford this weekend, Jememy is right there with me flying over the countryside as long as I remember him.
I'm bringing my Sonex to OSH and know he'll be there too.
Happy Landings
John
N50NX