Prop battle! Can we ever be objective?

[lockeed]

I've been enjoying my 2010 RV-6A since May 2011 and I absolutely adore it in every aspects.

I have a O-360 // 180hp and a 70 X 82 Sterba wood prop that performs very well (pic). But I'd love to get a prop that match my paint scheme. So a white prop with blue and gold accents would be perfect.

I've seen a lot of debate going on on the internet as to the effectiveness of a 3 bladed prop vs 2 bladed props on RV's... I'd like to know if things have changed since the old threads and if there is a newcomer, or a manufacturer being considered the best of them all in terms of performance, and reliability.

Let me know what you guys think.

I don't mind either a 2 or 3 bladed prop, as long as it perform as good or better than mine and that I can paint or simply get it with the colors I need.

Thx!

[bret]

That is some nice paint!

[lockeed]

lol Thx Bret.

Metalic blue paint and Ibis white. Metalic pewter/gold accents.

Cheers.

[Neal@F14]

If the Sterba prop performs well, why not just paint it to match the plane?

I have a friend who had his Aymar Demuth wood prop painted to match his plane, and he's now got more than 700 hours on it.

[mike newall]

You so need a white and blue custom MT 3 blade C/s prop on that 'plane....

[lockeed]

I tought about painting mine, but I'm afraid of how it will old up over time.

The main thing is, I'm afraid about balancing issues... Is this right or am I just crazy?

I think a wooden prop has more give than a metal or composite one, how to prevent the paint from craking?

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by lockeed

I tought about painting mine, but I'm afraid of how it will old up over time.

The main thing is, I'm afraid about balancing issues... Is this right or am I just crazy?

I think a wooden prop has more give than a metal or composite one, how to prevent the paint from craking?

The varnish or whatever is already on there is paint. If it isn't cracking now, neither will pigmented paint.

As far as balancing goes, call a prop manufacturer. There are quite a few who would probably take your prop, strip it, and refinish it to your specifications. That's a much cheaper option than a new prop, partially because you won't need a new spinner.

[PropMan]

I say paint your Sterba. I offer custom painting to all my customers. Most choose to go with the all natural look but some choose colors to match the plane like you're wanting. I use base coat colors then a heavy solids high performance clear. The heavy solids hold up better to abuse. ALL props need refinishing if you fly enough! Just be sure you balance the prop after each coat of paint, if you apply it evenly the balance will be close. It will take some practice and patience is needed. If you have questions give me a call and I will walk you thru the process.

[newtech]

I used to hang around with the KR guys so I know the Sterba is a nice prop. I went with Craig Catto's three blade on my RV-7A and love it. Craig has made an awful lot of props for RV's and you will have to search for a long time to find anyone, that has one, that will say anything other than they love theirs.



I painted my plane with House of Kolor Kandy Apple Red, Black Pearl, Gold Pearl and White. The kandy is a translucent red that is sprayed over a gold base coat. I sent small bottles of each of the colors to Craig and he painted my prop to match my plane. When I got it, it was a perfect match.

[NickAir]

Another guy asked about painting his wood prop a while back.

My painter friend said there are additives that will make the paint flex with out cracking as your prop flexes upon full power take off. I don't know what the additives are that he was referring to, although I can ask him if you wish to paint your own prop. Others here are very smart about many issues here, so you may get great answers.