Frame color

[Esser]

My plane is black. I severely wish my frame was black.

[jmodguy]

Mine is powder coated white. I flew with DF4 in Arizona and his tubes were white also. It was remarkable how much the white reflects back onto the windscreen.
I will be painting my interior tubes with Rat Rod black epoxy from Eastwood.

[dactel]

I'm really glad I posted this question here. My suspicion about white frame color seems to have been validated somewhat. I just sent John McBean an email asking him about having mine powder coated in black...

[DesertFox4]

I’ve seen guys paint just the cockpit tubing black even though the rest of the airframe was white. That’s not that hard to do as long as you think of it before covering, instrument panel and of course the windshield goes in.

[PapuaPilot]

One good reason for white is that it is the best color for inspecting the frame for cracks or corrosion.

[dactel]

One good reason for white is that it is the best color for inspecting the frame for cracks or corrosion.

I'm guessing that's because it would be easier to see the area with discoloration...?

[PapuaPilot]

That's correct. Black and dark colors make it very difficult to see problems.

[dactel]

That's correct. Black and dark colors make it very difficult to see problems.

This is a great point. Perhaps what DesertFox4's said about painting only the cockpit tubings black might be a good compromise...

[jmodguy]

From what I understand - if you are worried about cracks in the tubing you should not powdercoat. Powdercoat is somewhat flexible and can hide cracks. If you are worried about cracks, use white paint.
A lot of the airframe tubing will be covered by fabric and not visible anyway, i.e. tubes that are wrapped to secure the fabric.

[dactel]

I’ve seen guys paint just the cockpit tubing black even though the rest of the airframe was white. That’s not that hard to do as long as you think of it before covering, instrument panel and of course the windshield goes in.

That's a great idea.