I'm about done with the firewall but the homebuilthelp video matter of factly mentions painting the firewall with a heat-resistant paint. I'm curious if this is what others have done, and if so, what did they use. I've seen some web articles say it should be kept clean and shiny (for other aircraft). 

Seems like it should be primed at least, but then this is all new to me so I'd definitely like other's opinions.

Thanks

Paul

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Paul,

I had mine powder coated after assembly prior to riveting in place on fuselage.

I powder coated mine, but I wouldn't do it again. I would leave it bare galvanized. Less to burn.

I plan to leave mine bare galvanized. Galvanizing is, by definition, a way to protect steel.

The firewall in my 67 year old Stinson is bare galvanized steel and is in fine conditon these many years later. It is the factory original firewall, still has the factory stamped serial number on it.

If I was to paint it, I would most likely use automotive engine enamel or else paints intended for use on BBQ grills. Both are formulated for high temps. They sell high temp primers to go with those paints. However, as mentioned already, mine is gonna stay bare. If my Stinson firewall looks fine after two thirds of a century, that is good enough for me.

Mine's bare, works fine, one less thing to do. Some builders are really into the look and finish, some are not, either way is good.

Ok, thanks everyone. I wasn't sure if it was something that was required for safety or if it was for the look.

A word of warning, you can not paint galvanized material without first either removing the galvanized coating.  The paint will flake right off if you do.  It happened to me, I ended up wire wheeling the whole firewall and then painting it again with a galvanized primer paint from McMaster Carr.

Hi Paul,

So, did you end up with painting your firewall with a High Resistant Heat Paint?

Any references from the ZA?

i am currently in this stage and has bought some of the High Resistant Heat Paint from spruce.

Hi Zihad,

In the end I followed what a lot of people said and left it unpainted.

Thanks Paul. 
I guess i will follow with unpainted option also.

I used rattle can high heat engine primer and paint. Two years later it is still holding. Would be a lot less trouble and look just as good to leave it unpainted.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff. 

Ditto what everyone else said. Left mine bare galvanized metal and it looks good as new 2 years and 240 hrs. Likely any coating you apply will not hold up as well as the galvanized surface of the metal.

John

N750A

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