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Old 12-23-2014 | 06:40 AM
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skylark-flier
 
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: VA, Luray
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Sure thing! Dope isn't hard at all, been working with it since the mid 1950's. Basically, sanding sealer is nothing more than clear with talcum powder mixed in - the powder helps fill in the holes/grain/etc. ALL my experience is with brushing dope, so here goes:

Now, I'm no expert on finishes but, if it were me on 1/2A profiles, AND THEY HAD TO FLY, I would mix a couple ounces of clear with a tsp of talcum powder, thin it by 1/3 (2 oz dope, about 3/4 oz thinner) and brush it on. Once dry, I'd sand lightly with 150-200 grit sandpaper. This is done until you're happy with the surface - usually a couple coats does it. Then I put on a 50/50 thinned coat (or maybe 2 - but a 1/2A would probably take just one) of clear. Once that was dry and sanded the final color coat could go on - I usually thin my color just a bit to help spread it. One coat usually does it, sometimes a 2nd - depending on color.

Then, my planes fly. I've got C/L planes that date back to the mid 1960's still in the air with their original dope & silkspan covering, so the method seems to work just fine.

Yeah, Brodak & SIG are the two best dopes I've had experience with. There are probably others out there but I haven't used them.

Good luck with your planes. Post some pics when they're done.