Not sure whether to post here or in another forum section, but since this is my first post about my first rocket build I figure this is the right place.
Like many here, I'm coming back to Rocketry as a grownup after dabbling in it as a kid some 50 years ago. Selected the Screamin Green Meanie kit from Apogee just because it looked fun and was a bit more advanced than the Estes kits I did as a kid. So far I'm pretty happy with my results. I know I've made mistakes so far but it's a learning process and I've got some time to learn with future rockets.
Here's my question. I basically followed the instructions that came with the kit and the video instructions that Apogee kindly provided on a DVD with my first order. When I built Estes kits as a kid, I knew nothing about hardening balsa fins with wood putty or fillets when you join fins to the body. Seemed simple enough and I did an ok job on both, but I can tell some experience will help me improve my techniques.
Now I'm at the point of painting. I applied several coats of a wet sandable primer, at what I thought would be thick enough to fill imperfections and sand. But, after just a little bit of very light wet sanding with 400 grit paper I can see some bare wood and a bit of the white on the tip of the plastic nose cone. Photos are attached.
Should I back up and spray on more of the sandable primer? I used Krylon ColorMaster Gray Indoor/Outdoor Primer. Is that a decent choice? How important is the primer? Seems like it is not just to build a base for the final paint but it may add to the overall strength of the rocket and help fill in little imperfections which I assume improves aerodynamics. I guess the real question is, is the primer more about the look or is it important to how well it flies and recovers?
Like many here, I'm coming back to Rocketry as a grownup after dabbling in it as a kid some 50 years ago. Selected the Screamin Green Meanie kit from Apogee just because it looked fun and was a bit more advanced than the Estes kits I did as a kid. So far I'm pretty happy with my results. I know I've made mistakes so far but it's a learning process and I've got some time to learn with future rockets.
Here's my question. I basically followed the instructions that came with the kit and the video instructions that Apogee kindly provided on a DVD with my first order. When I built Estes kits as a kid, I knew nothing about hardening balsa fins with wood putty or fillets when you join fins to the body. Seemed simple enough and I did an ok job on both, but I can tell some experience will help me improve my techniques.
Now I'm at the point of painting. I applied several coats of a wet sandable primer, at what I thought would be thick enough to fill imperfections and sand. But, after just a little bit of very light wet sanding with 400 grit paper I can see some bare wood and a bit of the white on the tip of the plastic nose cone. Photos are attached.
Should I back up and spray on more of the sandable primer? I used Krylon ColorMaster Gray Indoor/Outdoor Primer. Is that a decent choice? How important is the primer? Seems like it is not just to build a base for the final paint but it may add to the overall strength of the rocket and help fill in little imperfections which I assume improves aerodynamics. I guess the real question is, is the primer more about the look or is it important to how well it flies and recovers?