New Paint Job - to cover or not to cover

[generalaviationguru]

We just did an entire strip and repaint.   Work seems good and sharp.  Only found one piece of missed tape!

Though we are newly hangared at home, we are concerned about what to do when away.  The paint shop says (obviously) to avoid using the covers as they can mar/scratch.  This is of course due to entrapped dirt.   Same issue with car covers.

I don’t think we can get by without the tail cover due to repeated birds nests deep in the tail (F model).  
 

Does the lightweight cover from Bruce’s Covers reduce the chance of marring?  Does it have the same water resistance?

[Jsno]

If you painted with poly, covers will not mar it after it hardens

[PeteMc]

I always used my cover not for the paint, but to cover the windows and keep the sun from shining into the cabin.  Helps with the heat in the summer, but also help prevent cumulative sun fading year-round when you're parked outside. 

 

[AJ88V]

I'd wait at least a month or two before putting on a cover.  The tailcone probaby won't be a problem this time of year (not nesting season), but I roll up bubble pack and stuff that in the hole in by the elevator and rudder to keep the birds out.

[A64Pilot]

On 11/16/2024 at 8:06 PM, PeteMc said:

I always used my cover not for the paint, but to cover the windows and keep the sun from shining into the cabin.  Helps with the heat in the summer, but also help prevent cumulative sun fading year-round when you're parked outside. 

 

Add makes the windows and Avionics and interior years longer to the list, the sun destroys the cover instead of the airplane

But depending on where you are covers can harm the windows if dirt gets under them and the wind is blowing

Edited November 19, 2024 by A64Pilot

[N201MKTurbo]

Unless you are away for months, It doesn’t really matter. These airplanes are tough.

[N201MKTurbo]

On 11/16/2024 at 6:02 PM, Jsno said:

If you painted with poly, covers will not mar it after it hardens

My experience is that polyurethane paint keeps getting harder for a month.

[Pinecone]

Yes, it is not fully cured for up to 30 days with normal temperatures.

[PeteMc]

4 hours ago, A64Pilot said:

But depending on where you are covers can harm the windows if dirt gets under them and the wind is blowing

That's why the cover manufacturers always say to keep it VERY snug.  And I get the potential for dirt damage, and it does matter where you are, but I was on a ramp for years with no issues from my cover. 

 

[Will.iam]

Once the month is up get the ceramic coating to help protect the surface.