Wrapping a DA40

[gordsh]

OK....so all DA40's are white with a variation of stripes, which tend to get a bit boring.

Has any one ever thought of, investigated or completed a wrap of their DA40, DA42 or DA20?

I understand that some DA40's will be coming off the production line with some infused colour in the composite similar to the new DA62 and DA42 VI however I am wondering if wrapping a DA40 is a no no?

[ultraturtle]

Bad idea. The white paint finish is necessary to keep skin temperature under control in order to protect the carbon fiber:

From page 4 of the Airworthiness section of your AMM:

• C. Colour of Airframe
  It is mandatory to paint the DA 40 white as described in Chapter 51 of this manual. This will prevent
  the temperature of the structure from becoming too high. Examples of approves shades are:
  ) RAL 9016.
  ) Mercedes DB 147.
  ) BMW 218.
  ) Volvo XG28.
  ) Volvo BC76.
  ) Saab 5AC6.
  ) Alfa Romeo 230.
  Before painting the DA 40 in a different shade the manufacturer must be contacted.

Newer Diamonds use a different carbon fiber / resin matrix that better tolerates higher temperatures.

[ultraturtle]

Oops, I meant "in order to protect the fiberglass."

Either way, having built, flown, and watched the aging of aircraft of fiberglass, carbon fiber, and kevlar composite construction, I would never apply anything other than the brightest of whites as the final paint coat, always over a completely UV opaque black primer layer.

That said, I know nothing about Diamond's new composite materials.

[gordsh]

All right then. Well said. I figured there was a very good reason why white was the norm. That answers my question.

[OriensFlight]

If you don't like your striping you can always have the old striping removed, airplane cleaned and polished, and new stripes applied. N556LU was redone about two or three years ago and people still say it looks brand new. Check with CFIDave on the details.

For what it's worth, I think a nicely striped DA40 looks way better than a colored Cirrus, but I suppose I'm a bit biased.

Hans

[Karl]

The maintenance manual lists areas that can have stripes and decals etc. Mostly side and lower surfaces that are not in direct sun.