I'm relatively new to this hobby, and have only put together a couple of ARFs. I've heard talk of using "dope" to cover a kit-built model, and have used clear polyuerthane to cover decals on my ARFs. Are these the same thing? If not, what is dope and when and how is it used?

Thanks for any info.
Dave

I used to use Airplane Dope, which is a specific type of paint, on tissue paper covered balsa models back in the 70s when I was a kid. Not sure what the base or solvent was but it had a unique smell (maybe that's where the name comes from) and I believe it was fuel-proof. I haven't heard of it being used much anymore, doesn't mean it isn't tho.

I have a bottle of clear dope that is fuel proof. They do make another type that is not, but the label on the bottle should tell you. For me, I use it for fuel proofing different parts. The latest use was to fuel proof a built out firewall extension on my Ultra Stick Lite. It helped me keep the wood the same color as the rest of the plane. I could have just as easily painted it a different color with fuel proof paint, but the dope worked for me. As e28m5 stated, it was originally used on tissue paper covered models as a paint since it comes in different colors.

Its put on silk to tighten it when covering.

Dope is also the guy standing next to you trying to take off on the same freq as you. [:'(]

There are two types of dope. Nitrate and Butyrate. Nitrate is not fuel proof, Butyrate is. Nitrate is mostly used for attaching fabric to the structure and then sealing the fabric before painting. Butyrate is used for the color coats and clear is used for sealing. You can paint over Nitrate with Butyrate but you can't paint over Butyrate with Nitrate.

Rich

Just to add a bit. Butyrate is C.A.B. or Celulose acetate butyrate. Nitrate is Nitrocelulose. Covered a few full size planes with it many yrs ago, and yes, the fumes can get you higher than a kite. Same solvent as the glue sniffers used to use. Could be acetone based but not sure. Memory's gone, probably from sniffing to much dope

See above answers

[silly post after a glass or three of wine]

That question is screaming for some wise alec to answer something like........"My you were a sheltered child in high school or college!"
Guess I'll be the wise alec

[/silly post after a glass or three of wine]



Sorry... I couldn't resist

Exeter ... please do not drink and surf!!!

Umm...that was my evil twin Yesterday....

I'm feeling much...errr....I mean HE is feeling Much better now!

Exeter - [sm=spinnyeyes.gif]

I would put dope in the lacquer catagory. Lacquer is not fuel proof but usually the thinners are interchangable, I think. Sombody tell me if I'm wrong, but the fumes did it to my brain many years ago.

I've read the story, that in the early days, when airplanes were fabric and dope, the people doing the doping would get to acting dopey from the fumes and so the term dope cane to be applied to the substance. It is best to dope in a well ventelated area.

Jim

That's the guy flying the plane!!

Marl

not sure where the term came from but it is a type of laquer, very aeromatic with flamable fumes and quite smelly when fresh.cannot be applied to many plastics. it shrinks considerably as it dries which takes at least a week to fully cure. smell is just part of the problems associated with it. it "blushes" terribly when applied in humid weather unless special techniques are used and it turns brittle with age.still , a proper dope finish is a thing of beauty when done by those who learn to work it.

dope.... something you shouldn't smoke!