Fabric Covering over composite ?? Can it be done?
11-17-2013, 05:14 AM
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Fabric Covering over composite ?? Can it be done?
I'm working on a fantasy racer Gee Bee R3 and during this era of Aircraft, it's looks to me that many aircraft had a combination of fabric covering and aluminum skin, is this correct?
The question I had: has anyone ever put fabric covering over a composite surface? with good results? and may I ask what did you use?
I want to cover certain areas in fabric (circled red area) and then the other area's with shiny aluminum. (3M Chrome vinyl)
First picture shows area to be covered.
Second picture shows desired results.
The question I had: has anyone ever put fabric covering over a composite surface? with good results? and may I ask what did you use?
I want to cover certain areas in fabric (circled red area) and then the other area's with shiny aluminum. (3M Chrome vinyl)
First picture shows area to be covered.
Second picture shows desired results.
Last edited by zzw26n; 11-17-2013 at 05:20 AM.
11-17-2013, 01:52 PM
#3
The cloth will stick just fine to the composite surface providing you abrade the entire area to a water break free surface prior to application, I have done this in the past on a few composite structures with open bay areas and have never had any issues with the system I used. (Stits full scale covering system). Just a note, most full scale guys I know, try to get a show type automotive finish on their birds, even the cloth covered ones they try to get rid of the cloth look altogether, and just about all RC guys try to get a full scale finish with the cloth look. I hope it all works out for you because this a a very cool project for sure.
Bob
Bob
11-17-2013, 02:22 PM
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Bob, point taken. The Howard DGA-4 and DGA-5 have both cloth and aluminum construction, and to your point, the cloth is as glossy as the aluminum.
Weight is a big factor in the build, so I'm starting to shy away from the cloth. Really appreciate your input, it's valued very much.
Weight is a big factor in the build, so I'm starting to shy away from the cloth. Really appreciate your input, it's valued very much.
11-19-2013, 03:36 AM
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I've seen Models on display at the Toledo Show, very impressive finish. I've never worked with it, but was told it's heavier then most all finishes?
