Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 10/07/1998 - 03:22 Forums: LML Archive From: <Sky2high [at] aol.com> Subject: Flying in Primer - Pros and Cons Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 23:22:36 EDT To: <lancair.list [at] olsusa.com> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> My 320 was certified 6/96 with the WLS epoxy primer (Lancair recommended). It was flown for 14 months before being painted. During that time I made extensive modifications to the cowling (opening and closing air holes), wing tip (trim closed out) and underwing covers (changes to pitot and xpdr antenna). N-numbers were sprayed on thru a mask with Krylon. So..... Pros: 1. Modifications can be done without concern for re-painting or blending in paint. 2. WLS is an epoxy-type primer, impervious to fuel, oil or other contaminents and is easily cleaned and prepped for painting. 3. Krylon easily used for N-numbers, can be washed off with MEK or Acetone. 4. Plane has military/stealth look in WLS gray primer. Cons: 1. After you have been flying your creation, you must stop, disassamble it, prep for paint, paint it, reassemble it, rebalance control surfaces, re-weigh it, etc. (maybe this should be in the "Pro" list) 2. WLS primer produces prodigous amounts of surface static electricity during flight. Just wiping my hand over the skin would lift the hair on my arm. Loran which worked on the ground would cease to operate in the air. 3. Krylon caused a swelling under the paint (where the foot-high N-numbers were) which seemed to disappear after 3 or 4 months. 4. Plane looks much better with paint. Scott Krueger N92EX