When To Paint?

[Geico266]

I'm needing some advice.

I want to have the exterior professionally painted, but when? Do I build the plane complete then take it apart for paint, or paint it as I go? I'm at the point where I could be rigging the controls for the final time, then take it aprt just one more time for paint.

What do you guys do?

 

[pierre smith]

Hi Larry....

.....It's done any way you want. Mine flew for 6 months and was painted in my hangar assembled with the control surfaces removed.

Other guys temporarily fit the wings to drill the rear spar and then remove them and some paint-as-you-go.

Regards,

 

[Webb]

I would have a pro do it, apart, when you are totally ready for paint. Stripes, swooshes, lines, curves, ie..anything that crosses 2 pieces need to be in place. It will have to be together for the marking/masking, then taken apart.

Also, pros have good equipement and the experience. My guy had been painting for 25 years. It was also painted apart in a $55K paint booth.

The finish on the bottom of my wings are as good as the top. I don't think you can get that while assembled.