Aircraft Service Manual
Jabiru Aircraft
Pty Ltd
JTM001-1
J120, J160, J170, J200/J400, J230/J430, J250/J450 Variants
REVISION
1
Dated: Nov 2011
Issued By: SW
Page: 216 of 233
18
PAINTING & FINISHING
18.1 EXTERIOR
18.1.1 PAINTING
The following painting procedure, as used at the Jabiru factory, had proven successful in ensuring
good presentation of the aircraft.
2-part paint should be used for best results. Due to the variation between different paints, we
recommend carefully following the pack recommendations relating to surface preparation and safety.
Use a bare minimum of undercoat, preferably white or cream, and topcoat to keep weight down.
If you have had no previous painting experience, a short course may be available from TAFE.
NOTE: It is very easy to dramatically increase the weight of the aircraft with a heavy paint job.
Care must be taken to use the absolute minimum amounts of filler, undercoat and topcoat.
Certain brands of filler are significantly lighter that others
– checking densities and using lighter
materials can save around 5kg on a typical Jabiru airframe.
18.1.2 MATERIALS RECOMMENDED
18.1.2.1 PAINTS / FILLERS
Top Coat
5 Lts
MUST BE WHITE
Base Coat
4 Lts
Ensure compatibility with top coat.
Polyester Filler
4 kg
Spot Putty
1 lb tube
Claw Glaze recommended
18.1.2.2 SANDPAPER
Note: aluminium oxide type most effective
1st all over sand
150 grit
20 3M Brand
Bog Sand
120 grit
20 3M Brand
Spot Putty Sand
180 grit
20 3M Brand
Final Sand
320 grit
20 3M Brand
18.1.3 PAINTING EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Random Orbital Sander (approximately A$70.00)
Gas Mask
Compressor
Spray Gun
18.1.4 PAINTING PROCEDURE:
1.
Wash all parts to remove release agent.
Note: Prepare all parts separately and paint separately.
2.
Completely sand all outside surface area with 150 grit to give paint adhesion. The factory uses a
Random Orbital Sander and 150mm Stickit discs.
Note: Ensure that glass is not cut into in the sanding process
3.
Grind excess resin from joints being careful not to grind into fibreglass layers. Take care not to
grind into the horn of any control surfaces.
4.
A clean wire brush is used to search out any crab holes or pinholes. Give the entire aircraft a
good scrub all over especially around corners etc.
5.
Wear a breathing respirator with painting cartridges right from initial sanding through to painting.
Hint: Body Filler sets quickly in high temperatures particularly when larger mixes are
necessary. Use cold packs under the Body Filler board to extend setting time.