ORIGINAL: chopper man
I received my tower trainer to replace the one that I crashed and lost[
] Before I put it togehter and fly I want to spray it with a clear coat of Top Flite spray. Should I lightly go over the covering with some 400 grit sandpaper, wipe clean and spray? Is the covering on the tower trainer compatiable with the Top Flite spray. I think this would keep all of the trim from coming up and getting fuel under it. Thanks for your input.
chopper man
Some misconceptions posted above by those who have never tried it.
I've done this with MANY planes.
1 - No DO NOT use sandpaper.
Instead use PLASTIC dishwashing pads to lightly go over the covering to remove anything stuck to the covering.
2 - Apply a LIGHT coat or three of Top Filte Clear cote then go over it again with the pads. This will remove any excess and make the remaining coating look uniform and good.
3 - You may add a final coat or two and go over it with pads, but usually this is not needed. You only need a light almost invisible film.
The Top Flite Clear coat adds NO appreciable weight ( I've done this with many planes and I've also checked their weight. ). The changes can be measured at LESS than 10 grams for a larger plane.
The Clear coat does a great job at preventing fuel from seaping under the existing covering, as it seals the exposed edges.
It will not however cause poor covering to adhere better.
You should first go over the existing covering with an iron, before doing this.
Applying the Top Flite coating will in the long run add LESS weight than the heavier CA ( which in itself doesn't add that much weight either... ).
Adding the coating does NOT "Ugly it up". If anything the plane remains looking good MUCH longer.
If you use the flat clear coat, covered warbirds will actually look MUCH better as they will not be so shiny.
The clear coat also keeps decals looking better. Their edges will not creap, or get fuel soaked.
Windex will not get under the sealed areas.