rpw612

Hello,

Trying to make a decision, in clear coating a Solartex covered bipe.

Which would you choose; Polycrylic Minwax Aerosol Satin clear, or Krylon Colormaster Aerosol Satin clear?

Any and all input welcome.

Thank You to all.

TomCrump

If it were me, I wouldn't use either.

Minwax Polycrylic will turn to goo and any Krylon product, that I've used, won't hold up to raw gas.

I've been using Minwax Polyurethane, in aerosol form. The polyurethane will not turn to goo when exposed to raw gas. I do clean it up as soon as feasible, however.

spaceworm

Other than the delivery system (aerosol, solvent, water) is there any difference between the Minwax polyurethanes? Are any of them more resistant to gasoline or glow fuel? Is the oil modified water-borne Minwax polyurethane any better or worse than the Rustoleum product? What are your preferred products for glow fuel resistance, taking from your comment above that spray Minwax polyu is your choice for gasoline? thank you very much.

Sincerely, Richard

TomCrump

You speak of products of which I have no knowledge. I didn't realize that Minwax had an oil modified waterborne polyurethane. Minwax has an acrylic, which I do not recommend.

My preferred product for glow resistance is Minwax Polyurethane.

If Rustoleum has a polyurethane, I am unaware. I'm pleased with Minwax Polyurethane, so I haven't felt a need to explore other possibilities.

Tom Nied

For firewalls, I've had good luck with just epoxy (the longer the setting period the better), brushed thin it resists nitro. Butyrate Dope is pretty good for nitro fuels. Gasoline, I'm not sure, hoping epoxy resists it.

rpw612

TomCrump,

What spray clear satin would you suggest that is gasoline fuel proof and doesn't yellow over time?

Many Thanks

TomCrump

A two part automotive clear will do the job. epoxy and polyurethanes will yellow. Testing for compatibility should be done, though.

rpw612

I assume they have a satin additive, and this is applied with a spray gun only.
Does one just go to any auto part store that mixes paint?

Thanks for your patience

TomCrump

My local auto paint store is very helpful. They answer all my questions as best as they can. Just tell them that you want a semi gloss clear and a hardener.

Make sure that you wear a proper mask when spraying.

In the pics below, the blue Ryan is covered in Natural Solartex, and painted with auto paint, using a hardener. The red Luscombe's wings are Natural Solartex, painted with Rustoleum aerosol can, and Minwax Polyurethane clear coat.

rpw612

Thank you,

If they don't put it in aerosol cans would a badger 400 touch up gun suffice?

TomCrump

I use a full size gun, but a touch up gun will suffice.

jetmech05

I'm confused. Why spray anything over a cover. All you're doing is adding weight. If it's just for a firewall use epoxy thinned with alcohol 50/50. Mine have never yellowed

spaceworm

Solartex as well as the other "TEX's", although fuel-proof, will show dirt and fuel staining on their semi-porous surfaces. Coating them with a clear or pigmented finish prevents this. FWIW 91% isopropyl alcohol from the drugstore works best for me for thinning epoxy.

TomCrump

Yup. Unsealed. Solartex can get dirty, just by looking at it. LOL

I forgot about this product. Nelson Hobbies sells a waterborne clear, that with the addition of their crosslinker, becomes fuel proof. It can be brushed or sprayed, and is considerably less expensive than a two part automotive paint.
http://www.nelsonhobby.com/hobby_paint.php

rpw612

TomCrump,

I'm not to familiar with clear coats. Your knowledge is appreciated.
Would brushing on the waterborne clear show brush stokes on solartex?
Wondering about a satin finish.
Trust your opinion, but probably should just ask Nelsons.

Thanks for your input.

TomCrump

Thanks for the compliment.

I haven't brushed Nelson's. I would assume that it would leave some brush marks.,

I know that others have done so, and they were satisfied with the results.

Nelson's would be your best source of info. You may want to contact them, and see what they have to say.