Solar tex
 

what is solar tex covering and where can i but it i have a plane i am wanting to scale and paint looks like this covering is good for that buy what i have saw in a post

RE: Solar tex
 

I buy mine from Balsa USA: https://www.balsausa.com/store/categ...?id_category=8
You will enjoy using it, great to work with.

Bill D.

RE: Solar tex
 

It looks like a fabric covering after it is applied. It is a man-made film material, given a textured finish and with a heat-activated adhesive applied to one side. It goes on in a similar manner to most films but goes round corners and compound curves much better. It is heavier than most films but is stroger, more resistant to tearing and has never gone slack on any of my models.

RE: Solar tex
 

I have used SolarTex on numerous occasions. It is a VERY GOOD covering that goes on at LOWER HEAT
than most filme coverings. It does wingtips and curves like a dream. The colored coverings (definitely)
are fuel proof.

One suggestion I will offer, especially with glow fuel engines - after you have applied all your decals and
trim paint, give the covering a coat of clear (the clear coat also seals the decals and really minimizes their
lifting). While the covering is fuel proof, the weave of the fabric tends to hold the dirt and grime. You will
find cleanup much easier with the clear coat (easier than using a fingernail brush to get the dirt off).

RE: Solar tex
 

Users of Solar Tex,
Monocote and Ultracote have a tendency to lift at the edges.
Occasional resealing with the iron is not a problem.
Does Solar Tex have this problem?
Does painting make the problem go away?
Thanks,
KW_Counter

RE: Solar tex
 

In my experience, Solartex sticks to itself very well. There seems to be more glue than on films. This sometimes squishes out at the edges of the sheet when applied and forms a really good preventative against the edge coming up. I have found that, on one model, an edge came up and would not glue down again because of paint. I had to peel it back a bit and apply Solarloc, wait for it to dry then seal with the iron.
Painting or clearcoating will make the model much easier to clean and keep it nice and tidy. 'Tex seems to be a filth-magnet if it isn't smoothed over.

RE: Solar tex
 

Psuguru,

Thanks for the info.

What does your handle mean?

Thanks,
KW_Counter

RE: Solar tex
 

I've been thinking of use 'Tex. What are you using as paint and what fuel proofs that paint?

RE: Solar tex
 

I usually use a latex paint then clear coat using a CLEAR AUTOMOTIVE/ENGINE ACRYLIC ENAMEL.
Since Ultracote clear has disappeared, that leaves Lustercrap. Rather than go through the aggravation of Lustercrap,
I have found that many acrylic clear enamels range from fuel resistant to fuel proof.
Be advised that you WILL NOT get a film type shine with latex - all the shine is in the clearcoat.

If you absolutely must have fuel proof, use Nelson's clear with the crosslinker (requires spraying equipment. Nelson's is very good, but not cheap)