Cessna 172 panel painting

[steveteva]

I don't know what color to use for my cessna panel. I heard of the RAL 7011 but that is boeing cockpit and looks darker than the real cessna panel.
Anybody have info on what grey to buy?
Also my cessna 172 panel is made of plywood, so what's best? Spray painting or liquid, if liquid roller or brush?
Acrylic, oil.... need your advice.

Thanks

[Geremy Britton]

Spray painting definitely gives the best finish. However not all colours are available off the shelf, as you can't get paint colour matched in a spray can like you would in a tin. You'll need a primer, the main coat (several coats likely) and ideally a lacquer top coat to give protection from abrasion and minor impact.

For example on radio panels your fingers will rub against the panel as the selectors are used.

Good Luck,

[steveteva]

Thank you, will try that.

[Avro748]

I also wouldn't worry too much about the color, as I've seen c172 cockpits in many different colors. I met a guy with a black panel, I've seen one or two brown panels, and of course the much more common light/dark grey panels.

[steveteva]

Yes I just pick a grey colour. You can follow my work on my blog: www.fsxblog.com
Thank you

[Xpendable]

I picked a cheap gray spray paint from Home Depot ($2 a can) and I can't tell the difference from the real thing.