Silkspan experience ?
 

It has been MANY years since I worked with silkspan. I know the "standard" method of applying using nitrate dope.

Does anyone have 1st hand experience applying silkspan with waterbase polyurethane ?

Over sheeted surfaces I will have no problems using silkspan and waterbase polyurethane. My concern is about the open structure of the fuselage (stick built ) and the open bays of the wing.

I have read several articles about using the waterbase poly and silkspan and it looks favorable, however, some of the authors have indicated they have not been able to get this to work on open bays, while the ones that indicate that it "works great" do not provide any detail on any methods that may be needed/used to have it "work great".

RE: Silkspan experience ?
 

Hi Campy- I've never tried using water base polyurethane to adhere silkspan (still use nitrate), but it would seem that if you apply it wet, as I do, the silkspan on the open bays would begin to shrink and draw away from the structure before the poly had a chance to stick well. A good alternative might be Polyspan, looks like silkspan, but shrinks with heat. Jim

RE: Silkspan experience ?
 

I have covered small electrics but not a large plane. For this I use water poly (Behr satin) and koverall. I apply a 50-50 mix of the latex color and the poly to a piece of silkspan lying on a plastic sheet then lay it on the framework and quickly and gently pull out the wrinkles. Because the poly latex mix soaks into the balsa this part drys faster than on the open part and doesn't pull it off. Rub your finger around the frame to help it seal. Make up a small balsa frame and try it. It is quite strong under tension but punctures easily.

Good luck.

RE: Silkspan experience ?
 

Thanks for the replies.

The plane is a 55" span Monocoupe 90 from Novak plans. It is a stick built fuselage and will be quite light in weight, and I would like to keep the weight down since I will be going electric with this plane.