Can my Canopy be saved ???
 

I got some debonder for CA glues on my clear plastic canopy. As you might expect it left an area of very clouded plastic. Canopys for this older discontinued airframe are hard to come by. If possible I would like to restore this one if possible. Thanks

There is a three step plastic cleaner that will fix your canopy, you can get it at chef aircraft.


http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2178669

TB

I assume you have used it with good results ?

Yes I have restored canopies that got beat up from gluing canopy frams with CA.

Best stuff for buffing out scratches, CA burn and overall dullness.

TB

Just to be clear. The debonder attacked the plasitc somewhat and that is why it got cloudy. With this in mind I will certainly try that product if you are still pretty sure it will work for my situation. It sounds like a good product to have around as I have a couple canopies that just dont look like they did when new. They could use a little pick me up so to speak.

It won't fix melted plastic or cracked plastic but if anything can bring a canopy back from the dead this stuff can and if you have any planes with clear canopies then this stuff should be in your box.

TB

Marty G. (goes by afterburner on here) got some Deet-based insect repellent on his Hawk canopy. Deet apparently melts plastic because it made the canopies cloudy - caused by melting the surface of the plastic (it happened to him twice). He was able to buff it out to clear again using the same type of product...

Bob

Can you please provide the link to the exact product on their website? I got lost looking for it, they have so many different products. Thanks. I recently damaged a canopy CA debonder that is no longer available also.

I found it almost instantly on Amazon. Just typed "NOVUS" in the search window. Placed my order and will have it by Wed..

thanks

Google it!

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2178784

TB

For removing the dulling from the CA debonder, would you need more than Novus part 1, "Clean and Shine"? I don't have any scratches to fix.

We use the same stuff on full scale

You probably would. The CA debonder, like the DEET, I think, melted the surface of the plastic. You need to remove that material with a more abrasive solution and then polish out the scratches that the abrasive leaves behind.

For deep scaring on canopies (and my car headlights) I have used 1000 and then 2000 grit wet sanding followed by the "Novis" type progressive system shown above...

Same technique as for removing scratches in automotive-type paint finishes - wet sand and then polish, polish, polish...
Bob

Part one is just a cleaner like windex but plastic safe, part 2 and 3 do all the work. Part 1 will finish it of and give it that shine.

TB

ok, thanks.

Bob,
I got my Novus kit today. I took a scrap peice of canopy and purposely put some debonder on part of it. I was able to get it looking better but certainly not to an acceptable level of appearance. Next I will try to sand as you mentioned. I take it you were able to get a fully restored look with sanding followed by Novus without the need for a clear coat paint application. I would like to avoid the clear coat if I can.

Automotive "swirl remover" is one more option that works nicely for cloudy or lightly scuffed canopies. Just apply a small amount by hand with a soft cloth and start rubbing. After a few minutes, hand buff it with a clean part of the cloth. Repeat as necessary. It won't take out scratches but works great for minor imperfections or as a final step after using the sanding method above.


http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2179190

Not as fun or easy but the results are great. Sand the entire canopy with 1500 to 2000 wet sandpaper then spray clear. What is great is it will look better longer than the original plastic canopy, much more durable. I have an old Balsa bandit that is 18 years old and the canopy still looks better than most do new out of the box.

Kelly's advice is spot on!