Sig Kadet MkII build
04-07-2016, 10:53 AM
#151
Okay, I couldn't resist...I've only covered the wings (and the control surfaces) but I wanted to post this pic because I love this natural Solartex and Balsarite! It handles like a dream...so much so that I think Solartex has spoiled me for any other plastic film covering. Also, how nice is it to see the wood through the covering? I gotta appreciate this while I can, before the paint covers it all up. :-)
Nice work !
I agree with you, about the Natural Solartex. It applies so easily that the builder becomes spoiled.
I just covered the wings on my 121" Luscombe, using it.
04-07-2016, 08:39 PM
#153
My Feedback: (1)
Tom, Is this Natural Solartex an iron on covering with it's own adhesive or is it stuck on with something else (balsarite ?)? I assume it must be painted to seal it. Who sells it and about how much per roll to buy it? How about a quick walk thru on applying and finishing with this stuff. As always, the Luscombe looks great.Thanks for sharing.
04-08-2016, 03:40 AM
#154
Tom, Is this Natural Solartex an iron on covering with it's own adhesive or is it stuck on with something else (balsarite ?)? I assume it must be painted to seal it. Who sells it and about how much per roll to buy it? How about a quick walk thru on applying and finishing with this stuff. As always, the Luscombe looks great.Thanks for sharing.
Solartex has it's own adhesive. It's applied like most iron on coverings, but requires lower heat settings on your iron.
The product is fuel proof. The instructions state that no sealing is necessary. It does get dirty easily, however.
Sealing prevents this.
I choose to use Natural Solartex and paint. The paint makes the product easy to clean.
Some choose the pre-colored Solartex. It can be sealed with a clear coat.
Balsa USA is the importer/supplier. http://shop.balsausa.com/category_s/119.htm I buy directly from them.
The Spacewalker and Cessna Airmaster, pictured below, were covered in Natural Solartex and painted. The Dallaire Sporster was covered with pre-colored Solartex. The orange is their translucent product. The Dallaire was clear coated with Minwax Polyurethane.
04-08-2016, 10:21 AM
#156
04-08-2016, 11:30 AM
#157
My Feedback: (1)
Tom, Thanks for the Solartex information. I wasn't sure if the natural and the pre-colored products were the same stuff. I have a 15 yr old hanger-9 J-3 cub ARF that has the Cub Yellow pre-colored covering, and yes it does retain dirt and stains. On this vintage Cub I just think of it as "vintage patina". I have used the Coverite cloth covering on a kit I built a few years ago and will try the Solortex on my next build that justifys cloth covering.
04-11-2016, 01:30 PM
#160
Mike,. I would think that a reasonable finish could be achieved. I'm sure that brush marks would be visible.
If it were my model, I'd spray, and let the weave of the fabric show through. That's my preference, though.
If it were my model, I'd spray, and let the weave of the fabric show through. That's my preference, though.
05-02-2016, 06:15 PM
#161
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It's been a while since my last update...I lost momentum for a bit there, but I just got back to it and have completed the covering. I'm not sure about taking a picture of it at this stage because the natural Solartex is translucent and even to the naked eye it just looks like the bare wood frame (except for the open bays on the wings) unless you get quite close. I might wait until I've at least marked out the trim scheme in pencil, on the airframe...anyway, glad to be back at work on it.
Ken
Ken
05-02-2016, 07:55 PM
#162
It's been a while since my last update...I lost momentum for a bit there, but I just got back to it and have completed the covering. I'm not sure about taking a picture of it at this stage because the natural Solartex is translucent and even to the naked eye it just looks like the bare wood frame (except for the open bays on the wings) unless you get quite close. I might wait until I've at least marked out the trim scheme in pencil, on the airframe...anyway, glad to be back at work on it.
Ken
Ken
Mike
05-03-2016, 03:46 AM
#163
05-03-2016, 02:44 PM
#168
05-03-2016, 03:19 PM
#171
Two things:
1) Ken, have you put any kind of fuel proof sealer on the firewall? If not, you will be replacing it in short order due to fuel soaking in to it
2) Tom, that shop is too clean. Can you show us something that actually shows you work in there? As any builder knows, a clean shop is a sign of a sick mind
1) Ken, have you put any kind of fuel proof sealer on the firewall? If not, you will be replacing it in short order due to fuel soaking in to it
2) Tom, that shop is too clean. Can you show us something that actually shows you work in there? As any builder knows, a clean shop is a sign of a sick mind
05-03-2016, 07:03 PM
#173
05-04-2016, 02:32 AM
#175
