The wings were completely and thoroughly scuffed using maroon colored scotchbrite pads. They were then cleaned completely using Naptha. A wet cloth followed up by a clean dry cloth was used. As you wipe it down, keep turning the cloths so a clean side is always used.
With the wings prepared, a couple of coats of Poly Fiber EP420 Epoxy Primer
was applied:
Note that the fuel tank covers were removed for the priming step. I
wanted to get primer on the skins under where the tank covers overlap. I
didn't need to remove the other inspection covers because they were already
primed before they were installed.
Once the wingtips were completed, they were primed along with the wing lift struts, which were hung from the ceiling with safety wire..
Next, the fuel tank covers and wingtips were re-installed for the final application of paint. I wanted the wingtips on because the red stripes run out onto the wingtips and I wanted the stripes to align properly.
All parts were lightly scuffed with some medium (green) scotchbrite pads.
Everything was then wiped down with Naptha and a tack cloth before spraying
them with Poly Fiber Enamel. The Insignia White went on first:
Note the lift struts hanging between the wings.
Here is a view from the other end after 3 coats of Insignia White Poly Fiber
Enamel:
The white paint was allowed to cure 24 hours in 70 degree temps before masking for the red paint. Red goes along the leading edge, from the spar line forward on top and bottom, along with a 3/4" red stripe as per the standard Bearhawk paint scheme.
Once fully cured, the wings were masked off to receive the red paint:
Two full coats of Poly Fiber Enamel - Pontiac Red were applied and allowed
to cure for about 1/2 hour before the masking tape was removed:
Here is the view from the root end of the wings:
That's it now. I still need to paint the flaps and ailerons and then all of the inspection covers. But first, the paint will be allowed to cure for a week and then the wings will be transported to the Ocean Springs Airport, where they will be mounted to the fuselage for the final time.
Come
back later for more. This page was last updated on October 22,
2007.