KVTA F-4 Resto - Getting Started With The Project Plan

[Rauhbatz]

Greetings WIX'ers...thanks to all who supplied feedback regarding the repaint of the F-4 at KVTA Newark Heath OH airport. I spoke with Terry the airport manager and he is excited about getting this bird painted in the 4-tone camo SEA scheme. He has a few pics of the F-4 in this color scheme.

Based on all your feedback Ive started the project plan which includes a myriad of tasks across four phases: Assessment& Mobilization, Preparation, Painting, Finishing.

He has quite a bit of auto paint he bought from a PPG auto paint dealer that reflects the FS colors.

As I build the plan, two question I neglected to ask:

1. Is if its worth it to prime coat the entire aircraft?
2. Should we budget for a coat of semi-gloss clear as an additional topcoat?

Thanks as always...just plugging away on the plan right now before the girls get up...

[12XU2A3X3]

speaking from my own attempt (we never pulled the trigger) to repaint a phantom, i'd would tell you that conditions, budget and ambition should be the determining factors for your paint job. if you can afford it, do it. also, ask rick

[Lynn Allen]

Ober??

[The Inspector]

I'd get a few rattle cans of automotive type primer from POOP BOYS and some red scotch brite pads as you inevitably find areas of bare metal or blistering and you don't build a house by starting with the roof. If you are going to use a semi gloss top coat, why not mix it into the paint so you only need to walk on the airplane once?

[RickH]

I'd shoot semi gloss top coat over semi gloss paint. I'd also check the UV rating, the higher the better. The water base latex specified by NMUSAF hasn't help up well and basically sucks. The better the paint, the better the result and the longer it will last. Probably have been better to go with an industrial type epoxy, but work with what you got. You definitely want to prep and sand the airframe, and deal with any corrosion you find prior to painting. Priming is important. As with any painting, the prep work is all important to have a successful, long lasting finish.

Remember that as well as finishing with a nice looking aircraft, your main goal is to provide a weather barrier for the airframe.