Changed My Mind On Paint

Two steps forward, one back. The whole cockpit painting thing has drawn out much longer then I've wanted. Mostly because of indecision on my part as to the best way of doing it. I was leaning towards rattle-can enamels mostly because it just seemed easier, cheaper and quicker with much less equipment needed. But not necessarily better. Honestly, I didn't want to deal with a paint gun, all the accessories, mixing 2-part acrylic paints and the cleanup after. I didn't sleep well last night thinking about it. Although people use it successfully, Rustoleum rattle-can enamels have drawbacks, primarily in durability and resistance to solvents like gas. I knew I could make a nice initial finish that way. But it's appearance down the road was another thing. I called Stewart Systems today and had a long chat with Mark, their tech guy. He patiently answered my questions and in the end convinced me that, although more involved, a spray on acrylic urethane would look way better and last much longer. He also convinced my that my 6 CFM compressor was up to the job because of the small area I was painting. I don't want to regret my choice a few years from now simply because I didn't want to do a little more work. Besides, I'll learn something new which is what it's all about. So with that there was now much to do. First was to order primer and paint from Stewart. I went with their EkoPrime single part water based primer in white. Then chose EkoCrylic in Smoke Grey (their lightest shade of grey) as the top coat. It's a 2-part acrylic urethane. I also bought some highly discounted "practice paint" in some random color that I can practice with. Then it was on to getting the needed gear. I purchased a popular HF 20 ounce HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) paint gun that was inexpensive but that others have used with much success including a local buddy and his RV-14A. Also a new 3/8" air hose, inline water/oil separator, inline pressure regulator, Tyvek suit, new cartridges for my respirator, etc. Will be back at it in a few days.