Clarification on using Latex paint on eagles...

[Gabe]

I just finished covering my tail feathers. ;D I was planning on using exterior latex house paint on them, but I've already filled in the weave with Polybrush. (I used it to glue down the tapes and went ahead and did it all) Can anyone clarify the whole Latex paint issue for me?
  1. Do I HAVE to use the silver polyspray now that i've filled with weave with polybrush?
  2. Can I put the exterior latex primer right over the polybrush?

[grdev]

On my DE I used gray latex with 1/2 cup of aluminum powder in a 1/2 gallons That was enough paint to do everything with two coats using a 3" foam brush with each coat 90 degrees to each other. I finished it with a coat of high gloss latex enamel using a 6" foam roller. Paint held up fine for over three years now. I plan to just use gray  latex primer on with some aluminum powder mixed in. If you want a shiny show room type of paint job, I would not recommend Latex.

[Sam Buchanan]

I just finished covering my tail feathers. ;D I was planning on using exterior latex house paint on them, but I've already filled in the weave with Polybrush. (I used it to glue down the tapes and went ahead and did it all) Can anyone clarify the whole Latex paint issue for me?
  1. Do I HAVE to use the silver polyspray now that i've filled with weave with polybrush?
  2. Can I put the exterior latex primer right over the polybrush?

I have applied high-quality latex exterior primer over Polybrush and Polyspray and had excellent results in each case. The primer seems to stick aggressively to about anything.

[Gabe]

Thanks guys, I'll go ahead and try the latex. Any ideas on where to get some aluminum powder?
By the way Sam, after I posted this question I got to looking at your LE build site and found some really good links to sites where people have tested the UV protection and durability of latex. So thanks for posting those.

[grdev]

At my place in WI I have some I would give you, but I won't be returning there until May. I bought mine off eBay, not very expensive. Just be careful with the stuff, explosive and dangerous to inhale in the powder form. Once it is in the paint, no problem.

[rfeenstra]

I bought some from Amazon.  Also available on Ebay. 1 or 2 lb quantities (or more) are available. I mixed it with Glidden Gripper and it really improved the opacity of the primer.  Didn't use it for UV protection.

Rob

[weasel]

is there a way to coat over the latex primer with a higher gloss paint or are you stuck with Latex?

I was considering a future project using latex up to the last coat and then using something like urethane for the last shinny coat.   Any way that would work?

[Sam Buchanan]

is there a way to coat over the latex primer with a higher gloss paint or are you stuck with Latex?

I was considering a future project using latex up to the last coat and then using something like urethane for the last shinny coat.   Any way that would work?

Weasel, on my first plane (Fisher Super Koala) I primed the fabric with flat black latex and finished it with automotive polyurethane. It turned out pretty good but I would stay with all latex now. Latex can be color sanded and buffed for a mirror finish.

That was twenty years ago, it has been proven since then that a titanium oxide-based white latex primer has the best UV protection.

[weasel]

Thanks Sam,

I think that is how my Fisher Classic is.  I will check with Dad. he built it may moons ago.

The paint is starting to crack in places. I know he said he put flex agent in it but it was 20 years ago. Still looks good but just some cracks here and there.

[Bob S.]

Sam, How do you "color sand" a latex paintjob??

[weasel]

I am assuming he is talking about this. http://home.comcast.net/~mmorrison123/Latex.htm
Sam may have more information.

Sam, How do you "color sand" a latex paintjob??

[Sam Buchanan]

I am assuming he is talking about this. http://home.comcast.net/~mmorrison123/Latex.htm
Sam may have more information.

Sam, How do you "color sand" a latex paintjob??

Yes, that is the link. You would need to spray the latex top coats but cutting and buffing would be the same process as used on polyurethanes.

[CHARLES DEBOER]

Is it necessary to use a polybrush as a first coat or could the first coat be latex?

[grdev]

I used latex gray primer with some aluminum powder mixed in o my DE with no bad effects.

[CHARLES DEBOER]

How much aluminum powder per pint/quart/gallon?  Brushed on or sprayed on?  Thinned with windshield washer fluid at 59%?