Chipping leading edge of prop, seems common but Whirlwind seems greater

[dmattmul]

Recently installed a composite 3 blade WW300. I really like these props as I had one on my 14 for over 700 hrs, and they are less expensive than the Hartzell which I am sure is also a good prop. At Sun N Fun I noticed several WW composite props and even some Hartzell exhibited chipping of the paint leading edge. When I felt the edge, you can "feel" the paint is slightly proud of the nickel leading edge. The unpainted part is virtually level. It seems Whirlwind and now Whirlwind Hartzell paint over the gloss black leaving the painted part proud by a few thousands. My new WW prop the same. Anyone have a proven solution to fix this? Since there is no clearcoat I thought of starting with 5,000 grit and increase to 20,000 and then do the rubbing-polishing compound to bring back the gloss on the front ~ 1/16 to an 1/8 of an inch but on a brand-new painted prop don't have the nerve. Just want to knock off the corner.



This is my 14-prop painted 7 years ago. Since the entire prop was painted does not have an "edge" on the leading edge to the nickel. I guess there was not a need to apply the gloss clear coat.

 

[moespeeds]

I've got a little over 300 hours on my 300RV and no chips yet.

 

[lr172]

Mask about 1/32 back from paint edge on both sides. Smear some clear sealant on and wipe most of it off with your finger. You just need to keep the few thou of exposed paint edge out of the breeze.

Clean thoroughly first or it won’t stick

 

[dmattmul]

Mask about 1/32 back from paint edge on both sides. Smear some clear sealant on and wipe most of it off with your finger. You just need to keep the few thou of exposed paint edge out of the breeze.

Clean thoroughly first or it won’t stick

Have you or anyone else had success with this method? I was concerned adding any extra thickness to the painted area as this might help tear the paint away. Recently flew (Not with my 14) through a decent rainstorm and made a mess of the tips. Trying to reduce the risk.

 

[lr172]

Have you or anyone else had success with this method? I was concerned adding any extra thickness to the painted area as this might help tear the paint away. Recently flew (Not with my 14) through a decent rainstorm and made a mess of the tips. Trying to reduce the risk.

I have not done it but know that aircraft painters use this method with the paint edge on the windshield. I didn’t know at the time and got some paint chipping there. One my project list for this summer.

 

[dmattmul]

I was concerned to use the 1/32 in mask method from both sides of the nickel/paint line as that would increase the height and expose the edge to more high impact rain. I sanded the edge/corner starting with 1,000 grit, then 1,000 grit with oil then 3,000, 5,000, 7,500 and last 10,000 then rubbing to polishing compound to knock off the corner and will monitor the wear.

(Flying through heavy rain is the test for painted props !)

 

[dmattmul]

I was concerned to use the 1/32 in mask method from both sides of the nickel/paint line as that would increase the height and expose the edge to more high impact rain. I sanded the edge/corner starting with 1,000 grit, then 1,000 grit with oil then 3,000, 5,000, 7,500 and last 10,000 then rubbing to polishing compound to knock off the corner and will monitor the wear.

(Flying through heavy rain is the test for painted props !)

View attachment 116143

Flew through some pretty heavy rain recently and the paint held up well. Will see in a few years if trend continues.