frntwe t1_j5w4cae wrote on January 25, 2023 at 11:43 PM

How much does a gallon of paint really weigh after it dries? Not sure the weight savings is that great. I see the time and expense savings.

DFWPunk t1_j5w6ndb wrote on January 25, 2023 at 11:59 PM

About 4 pounds. Given the amount of paint for a whole plane, and the fact they engineer to reduce ounces, it makes perfect sense.

frntwe t1_j5wk7ur wrote on January 26, 2023 at 1:34 AM

I remember this debate when I was still active duty and went to a C-5 conference. I wish I remembered the numbers

DFWPunk t1_j5wrkdj wrote on January 26, 2023 at 2:27 AM

Even a small plane is around 70 gallons. That's 280 pounds dried. It's a substantial weight.

ash_274 t1_j5x3pca wrote on January 26, 2023 at 3:53 AM

Lots of surface area on those

mrbeanIV t1_j5w6bg6 wrote on January 25, 2023 at 11:57 PM

It wouldn't be THAT heavy but it would still be a measurable performance difference.

frntwe t1_j5wmdjf wrote on January 26, 2023 at 1:49 AM

https://www.paintcenter.org/rj/oct07n.php

PeachSnappleOhYeah t1_j5wnrd4 wrote on January 26, 2023 at 1:59 AM

the styrene content (part that dries) in epoxies varies but at most is like usually like 40%. that's for resin epoxies, not epoxy paints. i think there's less drying agent in paints?

either way, if you figure on 10-16lbs for enamels and epoxies wet... i would make an educated guess that 2/3 of the weight remains after its dry. And oddly-- darker colors can be up to 25% heavier than white (extra pigment).

i would guess a warplane has a couple hundred pounds of paint on it, at least.