21 Century Covering Question
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21 Century Covering Question
I want to cover a flybaby with fabric covering, Has anyone ever used 21 Century fabric.??????? And if so, did you like the way it applied and stuck to the air frame. I have had a couple of guys tell me they had problems with it sticking to the airframe and had to
c/a the seams of the material where they over lapped it. Any advise either good or bad will be very helpful. Thanks in advance.
Morgan
c/a the seams of the material where they over lapped it. Any advise either good or bad will be very helpful. Thanks in advance.
Morgan
#2
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RE: 21 Century Covering Question
I would STRONGLY suggest SolarTex instead of Coverite fabric (21st Century ).
With Coverite, if you want it to stay on the airframe, you need to paint the airframe with "BalsaRite" first (make sure you use the one for fabric ) OR SIG "StixIt". You will also need to do any overlaps. The adhesive on Coverite "leaves something to be desired".
SolarTex has an excellent adhesive and does not require the airframe to be painted with Balsarite or StixIt first. You will also find that SolarTex is noticably lighter in weight than Coverite. The only thing I HIGHLY recommend with SolarTex is to give it a clear coat after shrinking it down. SolarTex has a more open weave than Coverite, and, although the instructions say the dirt and grime can be "easily removed" with some scrubbing, I have not been able to get clean to my satisfaction.
FWIW - I did 2 identical 40 - 60 size planes, one in Coverite and one in SolarTex. There was 1/4 oz difference between the airframes prior to covering. After covering and with a clear coat on the SolarTex, there was an almost 4 oz difference in weight. The Coverite plane being heavier. Here is a pic of the plane (I did not have the exhaust stacks on at the time of the photo).
With Coverite, if you want it to stay on the airframe, you need to paint the airframe with "BalsaRite" first (make sure you use the one for fabric ) OR SIG "StixIt". You will also need to do any overlaps. The adhesive on Coverite "leaves something to be desired".
SolarTex has an excellent adhesive and does not require the airframe to be painted with Balsarite or StixIt first. You will also find that SolarTex is noticably lighter in weight than Coverite. The only thing I HIGHLY recommend with SolarTex is to give it a clear coat after shrinking it down. SolarTex has a more open weave than Coverite, and, although the instructions say the dirt and grime can be "easily removed" with some scrubbing, I have not been able to get clean to my satisfaction.
FWIW - I did 2 identical 40 - 60 size planes, one in Coverite and one in SolarTex. There was 1/4 oz difference between the airframes prior to covering. After covering and with a clear coat on the SolarTex, there was an almost 4 oz difference in weight. The Coverite plane being heavier. Here is a pic of the plane (I did not have the exhaust stacks on at the time of the photo).
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RE: 21 Century Covering Question
Thanks alot for the info, You have saved me alot of wasted time and $$$$$$$$$. I am a monokote and ultra cote person. Its my first
fabric job.
Morgan
fabric job.
Morgan
#4
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RE: 21 Century Covering Question
I have covered a couple of planes with 21st Century fabric, and like it fine. It is temerature sensitive, and you MUST have your iron at the proper temp for the adhesive to seal properly, and for the material to stretch over / around tight curves. I like the glossier finish that 21st Century has, but Solartex is lighter, and if it is a smaller plane, would use that instead. If I were interested in a scale finish, which plane I had would dictate which covering. The 21st fabric /finish is more like the Cubs and later model fabric covered planes, but I wouldn't use it for WWI stuff.
Given all the above, I personally still prefer Koverall and the extra finishing work over both the pre-finished fabrics. Once applied, shrunk and finished, it NEVER wrinkles, is easier to conceal repairs, and is at least as strong.
Given all the above, I personally still prefer Koverall and the extra finishing work over both the pre-finished fabrics. Once applied, shrunk and finished, it NEVER wrinkles, is easier to conceal repairs, and is at least as strong.
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RE: 21 Century Covering Question
Used the Coverite for the first time for my Flybaby- like khodges says, I found temp. to be fairly important. IMO, pretty simple, like most coverings. Make sure your airframe is clean before you start, and you shouldn't have any problems.
Cheers,
Brett
Cheers,
Brett
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RE: 21 Century Covering Question
I have two planes covered in 21st Century fabric. One is about six years old and still tight, although it is looking it's age. I wouldn't hesitate to use it again. I thought it went on easily and had no trouble with it sticking down or seams comming loose.
#7
RE: 21 Century Covering Question
I covered my Balsa USA Cub with it about 6 or 7 years ago. It went on great. Even used pinking shears to create the look I wanted to cover the seams on the fuselage. I noticed one spot where the fabric was sagging a little a couple of months ago. The sag was just about the size of the sealing iron head and it was on the underside of the wing. Just heated it up a little with the iron and A-ok again. I definately would use Coverite Century 21 fabric again.