Finished build and painted my own canopy

[noste500]

I could not get my hands on a painted canopy, so I bought an air brush and read a few threads on the freak on painting canopys; attached is the result.

Just thought I would share it with you guys, I know its not great , but for a first attempt and to help with my orientation it will do the job;

Its not worth me buying a top price paint job , as I will crash!!

[nwolsink]

You forgot the clearcoat, that really finishes it of

[noste500]

I have put the clear coat, ( laquer ) on , but it was an aerosol and not a 2 pack mix.
It made the finish rougher than it was when it was just painted.

I will get the next one clear coated at the paint shop I think.

Any tips on applying the clear?
Do you use fuel proof??
Cheers

[DavidH]

Sounds like you got orange peel with the clear coat. What caused that is probably the clear coat and the paint it was going over were not compatible. Clear coat reacting to the paint it is going over and not being compatible will cause orange peel.

Orange peel is when the finsh looks like the skin of an orange instead of being smooth and shiny.

David

[monster8]

Looks pretty good to me! I like it.

[noste500]

Cheers,
I think the photos are dulling it down a bit, it looked better on my pc before I attached them< ( Honestly, ha-ha )

[flyanything]

I think it looks great for a first air-brush project. I might have to try that myself.

John

[Gscott]

You need to use a 2 part automotive clear. The aerosol stuff is not fuel proof and will begin to turn yellow. Here in the states the PPG Shopline stuff is good enough for our use and it's pretty inexpensive. Do the research before you mess with the 2 part stuff. It is nasty and you need to take precautions. Wear a good respirator and always spray outside if you don't have a spray booth.

[noste500]

Thanks, I am on with my second airbrushed canopy,
I will try the automotive clear , or get a body shop to clear it for me.

Should you put the decals on after the clear or before? If before do you rough them with with anything first like you would for paint??
Cheers

[WillJames]

Looks damn good for home made!! Sweet!! Nice work.

[Gscott]

Put the decals on before the clear. Nothing special just apply them like you normally would. The clear will seal them and keep them from peeling. If you have access to RC Heli magazine Dave Yost did a 3 part article on painting and the 3rd part was a nice write up on doing the clear coat. I don't remember the issue number but it was in the same issue as the Synergy review.

[ShinOBIWAN]

Superb job on the canopy. Very clean masking.

Seems a shame to leave it like that consider you only tripped up on the last leg of the finish. I notice your in the UK so if you want it clearcoated I can do that you. Will look as good or better than a paint shop. Just cover my materials (about £10) and I'll do it as a favour.

Here's a couple of my own clearcoat finishes, first is a canomod canopy that I re-cleared to improve on the original finish.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1050288/Raptor90se10.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1050288/tism135.jpg

Shoot me a PM if your interested.

[noste500]

Cheers,
I am just starting my 2nd canopy and I will see how the paint goes on this time.
I may take you up on your offer!

[blax1]

Don't loose any sleep over it, that's a damn good job IMHO