Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

I ripped my landing gear block out of my Edge today and I had to remove a bunch of covering to make the repair. Im going to have to order some new covering, but for the time being, how can I fuel proof the wood and still be able to cover the plane later? I was thinking about some clear spray paint but didnt know if the covering would still adhere? ANy ideas? Also does anyone happen to know if there is a difference in the colors between ultracote and monokote? I need "true red" covering and saw that both brands have that color.

RE: Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

How about just ironing on some monocote (any color) temporarily until your matching covering comes in? It's easy to remove and any fuel/oil residue goes with it when you take it back off.

RE: Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

I would apply some Balsarite to the wood. In fact, I wouldn't cover and aircraft without it. I don't remember if its a Hobbico or Top Flite product.

Bill

RE: Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

I would go with GaGeeBee idea till your covering comes in. Yes difference between Mono and all other coverings so no way of knowing which will match what you have unless you know what's on it now.

RE: Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

I used some yellow Monokote for the time being, thanks for the tip. Also, its covered with ultracote, but I wasnt sure if there was a difference in color between the two brands.

RE: Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

Yes. They are different in color and sheen. They will not match. I also use Balsarite and love it for fuel proofing and covering prep.

RE: Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

And another option, I use 30 minute epoxy brushed on. 30 minute epoxy is easily sandable. I have also soaked thick CA into the balsa.

I need to check out the Balsarite. First I've heard of it.

Frank

RE: Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

Balsarite is made by an old company named Coverite.
http://www.coverite.com/
I use their coverings when I build kits. Balsarite is brushed on the balsa to make sure that the covering never peels off.

RE: Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

Yup...

Fuel proof the entire area with the epoxy mix. This will also strengthen the joints and wood.

When you are ready to cover, sand the fuel proofed wood until it is smooth. You do not have to remove the fuel proofing, merely get everything smooth.

A bit of hairspray ( Aquanet ), and you are ready to cover.

Works great.

RE: Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

I hesitate to recommend epoxy under areas to be covered. It must be very smooth and the adhesive doesn't stick to epoxy very well. The hair spray does help and is a good tip. This also works on bare balsa. Really helps the covering stay in place. It is much cheaper than Balsarite, but the Balsarite soaks into the wood much deeper, and that is why I recommend it more. I always seal the engine compartments (after and over the overlapped covering) with epoxy thinned with alcohol. Even 5 minute works for this as the alcohol slows down the set time. His question was about wood (under) covering, hence the suggestion of Balsarite, a very good product for preping covered areas IMO.

RE: Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

Over the coating?

How does it look?

And what happens if you later have to remove the covering?

Thanks.

RE: Temporary Fuel Proofing Technique??
 

You seal the edge of the covering where it overlaps the firewall. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough on that. This is very standard procedure in most circles. This prevents fuel and oil from the engine compartment from working is way under the covering.

As to how it looks, you don't see it. It's under the cowl, in the engine compartment where you have done the rest of the fuel proofing.