Message-ID: <380345DA.A2EC5BF5@regandesigns.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Oct 1999 07:29:46 -0700
From: Brent Regan <brent@regandesigns.com>
To: Lancair List <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: Re: paint scheme design
Mime-Version: 1.0

          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
          <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
          <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>
A word of caution. Designing a paint scheme, in particular the stripes, is
very difficult in a 2D environment. The 3D curves of the fuselage distort
the lines as you walk around the plane in a way that is difficult to predict
when looking at a side view. I have seen many paint jobs that look OK from
the side but off balance from an angle. When it comes to actually putting
the stripes on the airplane you will see that changing the location by an
1/8 of an inch will make a difference. Before you spray, tape on the lines
and walk around the plane. Adjust the lines to get a balanced layout from
all angles. I hired an automobile pinstriper to help with this part as these
guys can put down a perfect curve and have an eye for placement. The are
also good at getting both sides to match!

It is fine to design the general layout on paper or CAD but be prepared to
change things on the shop floor.

The color on my airplane was found by accident. I had initially wanted a
maroon but was concerned that the fade would look pink so I asked the shop
to spray a test panel. I wrote down the color code, 3K3, on a scrap of
paper, but the pen skipped and the painter read the code as 3K5. When I
picked up the panel I realized that it was not  the color I chose but I
liked it better. So did the boss (wife).

Regards
Brent Regan


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html