To paint, or not to paint... That is the question.

[MoonFlyer68]

Fellow Mooniacs, I welcome your input on a question I have.  I own a ’68 M20F that I am making a “Forever Plane”.  The first annual I had a ton of work done so mechanically she is in top shape right now.  I also had some avionics done as well but ultimately my goal is the full Dynon system with autopilot.  For now I am waiting on the final approval of the autopilot before I do the install as I want to try and do all the panel work at one time.  I feel that way I will hopefully cut down the amount of labor vs. having to go in behind the panel and work multiple times.

 

So here is my question, the plane is also in dire need of paint.  I had been holding off on the paint until after the avionics because the last thing I would want is a brand new paint job getting messed up because of having to add, move, or remove antennas during the avionics work.  Especially given the ongoing delays with the Dynon autopilot, would you wait it out and do the avionics first so that all the antennas will be set before taking it to paint or get it painted and worry about the avionics whenever the time comes?

 

Thanks

[N201MKTurbo]

4 minutes ago, MoonFlyer68 said:

Fellow Mooniacs, I welcome your input on a question I have.  I own a ’68 M20F that I am making a “Forever Plane”.  The first annual I had a ton of work done so mechanically she is in top shape right now.  I also had some avionics done as well but ultimately my goal is the full Dynon system with autopilot.  For now I am waiting on the final approval of the autopilot before I do the install as I want to try and do all the panel work at one time.  I feel that way I will hopefully cut down the amount of labor vs. having to go in behind the panel and work multiple times.

 

So here is my question, the plane is also in dire need of paint.  I had been holding off on the paint until after the avionics because the last thing I would want is a brand new paint job getting messed up because of having to add, move, or remove antennas during the avionics work.  Especially given the ongoing delays with the Dynon autopilot, would you wait it out and do the avionics first so that all the antennas will be set before taking it to paint or get it painted and worry about the avionics whenever the time comes?

 

Thanks

Yes,

paint should be the last thing you do. I would replace every fastener on every access panel except the fuel tank. Fix any sheet metal blemishes. You might want to clean your wheel wells. You might want to consider removing your landing gear and painting them separately. Although you can do that after the fact. 

[gsxrpilot]

Yep, I'm holding off on paint for my plane until there is absolutely nothing left to do.

And I know you say it's your forever plane right now, but things can change, and at some point you will sell it. You'll probably only get 25% of the cost of the paint job back when you sell. Another reason I'm putting mine off as long as I possibly can.

[MooneyMitch]

24 minutes ago, MoonFlyer68 said:

would you wait it out and do the avionics first so that all the antennas will be set before taking it to paint

YYYYYYYEEEEEESSSSS !!!!

[MoonFlyer68]

Thank all of you for your feedback.  I just needed to hear from a few others that I was doing the right thing to wait.  And yes, I will get everything I can done and cleaned up on the exterior before I send it to the paint shop.

[ArtVandelay]

Thank all of you for your feedback.  I just needed to hear from a few others that I was doing the right thing to wait.  And yes, I will get everything I can done and cleaned up on the exterior before I send it to the paint shop.

Don’t forget replacing windows if they are needed....

[carusoam]

Reseal the tanks prior to paint is a must...  sealant solvents are harsh to paint...

Getting new windows are pretty low cost... not sure how they paint the plane and not the windows...

Check what you have for an ELT... and where it’s antenna is hiding...  some are hiding under plastic tail fairings... 

If getting a 406mhz with GPS... a new antenna may be needed...

Antenna distances from each other are always a consideration...  make sure everything is working properly in flight prior to paint... cleaning and prepping the antenna grounds might be a good pre-paint exercise as well...

PP thoughts only...

Best regards,

-a-

[MooneyMitch]

Not that you asked for painting tips.........we’re happy to give them though and I enjoy spending other people’s money ... ........here’s a little tip for you regardless.

When you do get to the painting process, if you can remove, or have removed, any panels, fairings,etc. that are secured with a screw, I strongly suggest doing so.  Have them painted separately.

Reason being ......if and when you might want to remove those items in the future, you won’t need to break a beautiful paint seal to do so.  Things don’t look quite the same once you break that seal.

This is my experience from sending 3 Mooneys through the pant shop.

I’m happy to share this information with you. 

Happy Mooney times to you. 

[carusoam]

Mitch,

You might want to mention your favorite place to go if somebody wanted a really good paint shop to work with...

Some people might think that traveling to CA for a paint job is a bit far to travel...

Patrick thought it was worth it... and traveled from NJ... 

Best regards,

-a-

[MooneyMitch]

Dearest kind gentle Patrick.  A very special person.  He trusted us and he did receive a gorgeous paint job on his Mooney....... from Artcraft Paint here at Santa Maria, CA.

And so did I.......

[ArtVandelay]

When you do get to the painting process, if you can remove, or have removed, any panels, fairings,etc. that are secured with a screw, I strongly suggest doing so.  Have them painted separately.
Reason being ......if and when you might want to remove those items in the future, you won’t need to break a beautiful paint seal to do so.  Things don’t look quite the same once you break that seal.

Buy a set of paint cutters, and make sure your shop uses them if they don’t have a set.

[Hank]

Screws can be cleaned, punched halfway into a sheet of cardboard and painted to match the panel they belong to. Be sure to have a few extras painted, too, for future use.

I prefer to leave unpainted the inspection panel screws that need to be removed at annual. That way, I don't have to think about which panels come off, and replacing screws with worn threads or buggered heads is so much easier.

[201Mooniac]

13 hours ago, MooneyMitch said:

Dearest kind gentle Patrick.  A very special person.  He trusted us and he did receive a gorgeous paint job on his Mooney....... from Artcraft Paint here at Santa Maria, CA.

And so did I.......

I'm another very happy Artcraft Paint customer.  Our M20J was painted almost 12 years ago and the paint still looks great.  Was just down there for some minor touchups, great people to work with.

[whiskytango]

14 hours ago, carusoam said:

Reseal the tanks prior to paint is a must...  sealant solvents are harsh to paint...

Getting new windows are pretty low cost... not sure how they paint the plane and not the windows...

Check what you have for an ELT... and where it’s antenna is hiding...  some are hiding under plastic tail fairings... 

If getting a 406mhz with GPS... a new antenna may be needed...

Antenna distances from each other are always a consideration...  make sure everything is working properly in flight prior to paint... cleaning and prepping the antenna grounds might be a good pre-paint exercise as well...

PP thoughts only...

Best regards,

-a-

+1 on getting tank sealing done before painting.  A buddy with an F model had his brand new paint job ruined by a tank sealing company that had an electric screw gun "walk off" multiple fasteners on wing access panels. 

[Vaughn]

I had a Cessna 150 painted in 2019 and the entire strip and paint process can/does create problems, just expect it. The chemicals used create problems even under the best of conditions. A good paint shop will strip and repair and polish every bit and bob. I would have the tanks resealed, maybe install new antennas in anticipation of the avionics but maybe wait and do the avionics after the paint. Some shops take weeks so be prepared to be without your aircraft for a while. Painters also have an "artistic/perfectionist" personality, at least mine did so it pays to be patient.

My wife and son are using the 150 to get PPL, I'm now flying a M20F. We had a Cirrus and folks ask if it was a step down... no way, the Mooney is a great aircraft!!!! 

0F65E841-4471-473A-AA74-7B815514B1F7.heic

[MooneyMitch]

3 minutes ago, Vaughn said:

had a Cessna 150 painted in 2019 and the entire strip and paint process can/does create problems, just expect it. The chemicals used create problems even under the best of conditions

Your 150 looks terrific!  Congratulations and successful training ahead.

I experienced no issues from the stripping chemicals.

I believe if the technicians seal and cover vulnerable areas correctly during preparation, one should not suffer issues.

My experiences only with Artcraft. 

So great you stepped up to a Mooney ! 

[rbridges]

45 minutes ago, Vaughn said:

I had a Cessna 150 painted in 2019 and the entire strip and paint process can/does create problems, just expect it. The chemicals used create problems even under the best of conditions. A good paint shop will strip and repair and polish every bit and bob. I would have the tanks resealed, maybe install new antennas in anticipation of the avionics but maybe wait and do the avionics after the paint. Some shops take weeks so be prepared to be without your aircraft for a while. Painters also have an "artistic/perfectionist" personality, at least mine did so it pays to be patient.

My wife and son are using the 150 to get PPL, I'm now flying a M20F. We had a Cirrus and folks ask if it was a step down... no way, the Mooney is a great aircraft!!!! 

0F65E841-4471-473A-AA74-7B815514B1F7.heic 1.38 MB · 0 downloads

It's amazing how much a paint job will freshen up a plane.

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard Vaughn!

Mr. Vaughn has some strong plane refreshing skills... 

The Old M20F is pretty sweet.  It looks like it flew out of the factory recently...

Got to work on the avatar pic... it is in the other location... it’s hidden until clicked on...

Best regards,

-a-

 

[Trenta]

On 4/19/2021 at 10:50 AM, gsxrpilot said:

Yep, I'm holding off on paint for my plane until there is absolutely nothing left to do.

Is there such a thing? I have only heard tell and legends.

[DCarlton]

I replaced my transponder antenna, and added a second GPS antenna after painting my airplane; no problem.  I also removed a Stormscope antenna and didn't reuse that mounting location.  The paint matched OK but it certainly wasn't ideal.  Seems like you should be able to plan and foresee your antenna changes.  That's your answer. 

[MIm20c]

Well I’m going to suggest painting the plane now.  There is no perfect time to upgrade an aircraft and all upgrades start to age (technology/style/shine) the moment they are done.  Obviously if the windows or tanks need to be done schedule those first but why put off something you want for the possibility of future upgrades in other areas...life’s too short.