PAINT

[Ron Pearman]

What is the best fuel-proof paint to give a natural aluminium finish to an airframe?
Thanks

[Stuart Solomon]

Ron, why not cover the model with real aluminium ? Self adhesive ali, 300mm wide up to 50 mtrs long, weight is 94gms sq mtr, 70 thou thick and £2.20 per linear metre. Regards.
Stuart

[John Rickett]

Stuart's reply above is correct if you want the finish to genuinely look like aluminium, however that is not painted on! The only 'fuel proof' paint that I've found to work is Klasskote epoxy. They do aluminium as well as the usual solid colours. The epoxy is two part so the colour pigment is mixed with gloss or satin depending on the finish you want. If you would like the aluminium to be super glossy, as it doesn't dry as glossy as the solid colours, then you can put a coat of their Clearkote on the top. The Clearkote is also very useful for sealing in any weathering or transfers.
If you go this route do not skimp by using cellulose primer, once the fuel gets to the cellulose it will still lift - use Klasskote primer and then the entire finish is epoxy and it will not be affected by fuel.
Regards
John Rickett

[Ron Pearman]

Thank you both for your replies. I'll go the Klass Cote route this time.
Ron.