Scott Hersha
Well Known Member
I have a dilemma. My RV6 is in the paint shop and they just started the paint process yesterday. Today they called me to say that my cowling is in terrible shape. There seems to be pin holes everywhere. No surprise to me, because I didn’t fill them. When I took the airplane there for an estimate, I asked them what they wanted on the cowl - and other fiberglass parts. I wanted to make sure what I did was compatible with their paint process and chemicals. They said the cowl looked fine and no need to do anything. That really surprised me, but I thought - great, I hate doing that kind of ****. This is an epoxy cowl that was sort of greenish looking originally. I guess they thought I had filled pin holes, but the honeycomb weave was clearly evident, and I mentioned that to him. Apparently there was some sort of miscommunication. Anyway, they etched and alodined yesterday and primed today. I drove up there and picked up the cowling this afternoon to bring it home and finish it. I told them I had used UV Smooth prime in the past and it worked out OK (20 years ago), so he ordered a gallon ($300). It is now Tuesday night 11 pm, and I was just reading about UV smooth prime online. Poly fiber says you need to wait at least 3 weeks after using smooth prime before priming with your epoxy primer. Needless to say, I won’t be doing that. They want the cowling back on Monday. The shoot color on the rest of the airplane tomorrow, and can do the cowl later, but not 3 weeks later. I’ve sanded and scotchbrited the primed cowl and now need to fill weave. Looking for recommendations on materials to use. I have my epoxy supplies at home with me (west system epoxy and fillers, plus super fill), but wondering if there is another filler that sets up quicker so I can do a couple coats per day. I think the polyester fillers have gotten better, but need a recommendation. I don’t have the ability to spray it on, that’s why smooth prime appealed to me (roller).
Not happy about this…. I’ll attach a couple photos so you can see what I’m dealing with. May need to zoom in.
Not happy about this…. I’ll attach a couple photos so you can see what I’m dealing with. May need to zoom in.