Painting CF Blades?

[Blade~400~er]

hey fellas, I wanted to know if it would be possible and/or a good idea to paint cf blades? i just got done with a scale project and it turned out nicely, the only odd looking thing is my carbon blades, there not exatly scale looking and i want to put stripes on them to really make the rotor disc stand out in flight. or should i just get a good pair of woodies and strip the coverings?...i wouldnt have a problem with going back to woodies but im afraid they are not strong enough to withstand the weight of the mechanics and fuse plus flight forces...

[helipainter]

You can definately paint your blades, just make sure to scuff them up well and use even numbers of coats on each blade. Balance them before you fly

You want composite blades for this, fiberglass or cf

[buckers]

You can definately paint your blades, just make sure to scuff them up well and use even numbers of coats on each blade. Balance them before you fly

You want composite blades for this, fiberglass or cf

So are you saying that it's ok to clear coat (1k) over fibreglass or carbon fibre blades ?

[helipainter]

I don't know what you refer to as 1k, but i've got 3 sets of tr's here that have white with red stripes coated with Dupont Chroma Clear and they have no problems, all ballanced perfectly. I used to paint real tail rotors and main rotors with the same material. Hundreds of them. We'd use Dupont Imron as the main color then any striping was done with base coat/clear coat.

Here is a pic of some spinning

http://blizzarddesigns.com/Cali/Boat/Scale_Fuses/GJIVE_maiden/232__800x533_.jpg

[Farrell]

So are you saying that it's ok to clear coat (1k) over fibreglass or carbon fibre blades ?

1K stuff will not be fuel proof. You have to use 2K unless you are painting for an electric-powered model.

helipainter: He was referring to single-part (1K) versus two-part (2K) paint/clear.

-Farrell

[helipainter]

I'd use the 2 part stuff. I didn't even know they still had anything like that. Last 1 part clear i shot was 20 years ago and was lacquer.

[helipainter]

here is a set of 600mm cf's painted up

http://blizzarddesigns.com/Cali/Boat/Scale_Fuses/GJIVE_maiden/133__800x533_.jpg

and the set all base coat clear coat by Dupont

http://blizzarddesigns.com/Cali/Boat/Scale_Fuses/GJIVE_maiden/167__800x567_.jpg

[The WoodCrafter]

Helipainter,

Did you have to do any CG balancing after you painted?

[helipainter]

They were both within a half gram and i just left them. Never even re-checked cg, only flew am once and didn't see any vibes. Got a set of 600mm that am doing for this machine and will fine tune them. Had the two blades laying next to each other and gave nice even coats. When i pull it appart i'll check em just for conversation sake. Give me a week.

It definately wouldn't hurt, never does.

Was on the scale forum the other day and a guy was flying spray painted blades. I assume this is 1k. he seemed to be fine with it, but i would rather have 2k in single or dual stage systems.

[The WoodCrafter]

Thanks for the reply.

I have some 610mm RotorTechs that are very dull and I thought I would clear coat.
But I was afraid that would shift the CG too much.
They look bad enough now that I don't use them.
I have some 2 part automotive clear, I think I'll shoot them and see how they turn out.

[helipainter]

I wouldn't hesitate. Spray even numbers of coats and you'll be surprised how close you get.

No runs, you get a run and all bets are off.