Pica Spitfire Fully Sheeted Covering help.
09-23-2005, 03:05 PM
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Pica Spitfire Fully Sheeted Covering help.
Hi all,
I have a Pica Spitfire that I purchased from someone who built the whole thing (rather nicely too) i was wondering what the best way to finish it would be? Fiberglass seems too heavy, Not sure on what kind of covering to use that will allow me to paint it. Any suggestions?
I have a Pica Spitfire that I purchased from someone who built the whole thing (rather nicely too) i was wondering what the best way to finish it would be? Fiberglass seems too heavy, Not sure on what kind of covering to use that will allow me to paint it. Any suggestions?
09-23-2005, 05:32 PM
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RE: Pica Spitfire Fully Sheeted Covering help.
UK, That plane was intended to be glassed and if its done correctly it doesnt' add as much weight as you would think. The trick is to thin the resin and apply only enought to wet it out. A second coat will fill the weave. There are some very good discussions of the process in the Warbird forum. The other method is to cover it with a shrinkabe cloth such as Sig's Koverall. It can be put on with Stickit, Balarite, or nitrate dope. Shrink tight as with monocate. Once the cloth is down and sealed it can be painted just like glass. It must be sealed and the weave filled using nitate dope and a filler like cornstarch or aluminum powder. Its a lot of work but the finish will be beautiful and tough.
