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Engine basics => Engine set up tips => Topic started by: t michael jennings on February 09, 2010, 06:41:45 PM

Title: Prop Tips
Post by: t michael jennings on February 09, 2010, 06:41:45 PM

Gentlemen,

What is the best color to make Prop Tips visible?   n~

What is the better paint for the Prop Tips?             :!

Thanks for your advice.

t michael jennings
Knoxville, TN.

Title: Re: Prop Tips
Post by: RandySmith on February 09, 2010, 07:26:18 PM

Quote from: t michael jennings on February 09, 2010, 06:41:45 PM

Gentlemen,

What is the best color to make Prop Tips visible?   n~

What is the better paint for the Prop Tips?             :!

Thanks for your advice.

t michael jennings
Knoxville, TN.


Most people use  either  white or yellow  for the tips

Randy

Title: Re: Prop Tips
Post by: Douglas Ames on February 09, 2010, 07:35:06 PM

In the 30's it was Blue, Yellow & Red stripes (primary colors), then in the early 40's the military switched to Yellow tips. From the 50's till today it's Red & White stripes.
Bright White is a good choice.

Title: Re: Prop Tips
Post by: Larry Fulwider on February 10, 2010, 02:49:11 PM

Quote from: t michael jennings on February 09, 2010, 06:41:45 PM

. . .
What is the best color to make Prop Tips visible?   n~

What is the better paint for the Prop Tips?             :!
 . . .

I've done two batches of APCs, dyed black with white tips. (Pic below) Naturally, the white on black is very visible from both the front and back. (Be sure and do the backs! That is where you're supposed to be when using a tach or needling). I used white because, (1. I lack artistic imagination, and (2. white works with any airplane color. Most any color that contrasts well with the prop color would be pretty visible, my guess.
       The first batch was Rustoleum. Worked fine. Second batch was LustreKote. Worked fine. The only prep was Prep-Sol to make sure no oil or release agent was left -- unlikely after dying in boiling water.

Dave Smith suggested (in another thread) using Adhesion Promoter (paint section of AutoZone, Advance Auto, etc.) when spraying plastic. Sprays on like rattle can paint. I haven't used it yet, but will try it on the next batch of props.

My camera batteries are dead now. In an hour or so, I'll post a pic of my oldest white tip prop. It has had some time off grass, some pavement, and you can see the LE paint has worn away some. This prop was from the Rustoleum batch, I think.

Edit: added pic of older, worn tip

       Larry Fulwider

Title: Re: Prop Tips
Post by: phil c on February 11, 2010, 09:48:40 AM

I can't find the site, it's probably on youtube, but a couple full size manufacturers paint stripes differently on each blade.  One blade has a white tip and alternating black/white stripes, the other has a black tip and alternating white/black stripes.  The offset pattern really made the prop stand out when it was turning!

Title: Re: Prop Tips
Post by: t michael jennings on February 11, 2010, 05:54:00 PM

Phil,

This sounds like a good idea.  Especially for an Old Fart like me.

I'm going to try it and see if it works.

Thanks for the ideas.

t michael jennings
Knoxville, TN

Title: Re: Prop Tips
Post by: t michael jennings on February 18, 2010, 02:22:45 PM

Phil,

Here is a prop like you recommended.

Thanks again for the idea.


t michael jennings      H^^
Knoxville, TN