Painting piano hinges

[Nev]

Is there any particular trick to painting piano hinges ? Should I paint the cowl doors separately, or attach then to the upper cowl and paint together?

[N942VT]

Depends on if you're riveting to the upper channels or screwing, Just be sure to get full coverage on the hinge by spraying the hinge open and closed or you will see the color difference when the cowl is open or closed.

[robcaldwell]

If aluminum, will need to be both mechanically and chemically etched for best primer and paint adhesion.

[Battson]

Keep the paint on the hinge AS THIN AS POSSIBLE, and lubricate it with clear grease as soon as it's dry.

Ensure the rivetted cowl door and cowl top do not protrude into the hinge pockets.

Otherwise the paint will come off rather quickly.

[Nev]

Keep the paint on the hinge AS THIN AS POSSIBLE, and lubricate it with clear grease as soon as it's dry.

Ensure the rivetted cowl door and cowl top do not protrude into the hinge pockets.

Otherwise the paint will come off rather quickly.

Thanks - just what I was after. Can you elaborate on “hinge pockets” - I don’t understand this part.

[Bcone1381]

I also curious about a Hinge Pocket.....hummmmm.

(Screen shot of the cowl hinge out of Bob's "Patrol Book.")

Screen Shot 2021-06-24 at 3.38.58 PM.png
I suppose if I left the hinge bare I might avoid chipped paint look on the hinge.

[Battson]

Each half of the hinge is made of 'male' knuckles and female pockets (which the knuckle fits into). There needs to be room for the paint "paint clearance".

You want to make sure that the cowl parts (top and door) overlap with the hinge leaves, but do not extend into the "paint clearance" area, which I have called the hinge pocket

You are trying to prevent the cowl parts from rubbing on the hinge knuckles.

Remember it all bends and flexes when you are removing and reinstalling the cowl.

HingeDummy.jpg

[Bcone1381]

Air Tech Coating Fabric Tip Friday.....Piano Hinge Painting...a 1.5 minute video with Robby showing us how he does it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcY2bVl3Pts

[Nev]

That’s pretty good. Maybe leave the hinge bare.

[svyolo]

Bare might be better looking long term that pealing paint.