I am building a plane and plan to use solartex. I also plan to have someone paint it for me. This person has had experience spray painting automobiles, but not RC planes. What is the proper procedure here. Use what primer? Use what type of paint?
Keep the number of coats to a minimum to conserve weight? If so, how many coats?
Any other useful info.
Thank you in advance.
Larry

Larry,
Solortex is magic covering. You dont need nothing. No primers, no sanding or scuffing, just paint. We/I have used solartex on everything from my Power Slope Scale gliders, to Top Flite 60 size warbirds. I used it exclusively on my built up flight control surfaces. I do recommend using the natural or white if you are going to paint over it, just have the paint not be tinted. There was one issue we had with it. We wanted to show a cloth like texture on a cub, but once the paint laid down, the weave went away. Gave a very smooth finish. We have used all types as well, it will take it all, and alone it is glow fuel proof.

Enjoy it, I cant find it anymore around here.

Ray

Ditto! This is great stuff to cover a plane with. I painted a Sig Citabria a few years ago with it and didn't lose the weave, but can't remember the brand of paint. I can't find it locally and have to search online to get it. You will be pleased with the results!

Larry, I agree with Ray. Paint it with any paint you like. You don't need primer. This plane is covered with Solartex and painted with Krylon rattle cans.

Ken

Where can a person buy this Solortex???

Bernard,

I just did a quick search for it and this site came up. I have not used it years, but it's out there if you look. Btw Ken, sweet!

http://www.flyhobbies.com/solartex.htm

You can get Solartex from Balsa USA. You have to paint it with some kind of flexible paint like urethane or latex. I have used Rustoleum on it and it is fuel proof as well as flexible. If you do light coats the weave should still show.

Jim

I just covered an painted my first plane with Solartex. I am an automotive painter, so naturally I just took it to work and sprayed it with DuPont ChromaPremier basecoat. Then at the recommendation of a very experienced builder/ flyer I clear coated it with MinWax clear satin spar urethane (spray can- Home Depot). I used satin because this is a WW1 plane in camoflage, I didn't want it to shine. I did spray a test panel first with color and clear on one end and just color, no clear on the other. I poured some fuel on it and wiped it with a rag. The color came right off the color only end, but nothing happened to the cleared end.
On a side note, Solartex is the easiest covering I have used so far. The others were Monokote and Ultracote.
God luck,

Ooops, one more thing. The spray urethane will yellow white slightly, so I used the brightest white I could find.

I've Used K&B epoxy over solortex for years, Whatever you decide to use exopy, poly u etc. make sure you apply it thin to keep it flexable.

Be very carful when masking lines, If you put the first coat on to thick, the paint will pull off with the making tape, also use fog coats to seal the masking line, if you put heavy coats over the tape it has a tendency to bleed under the tape because of the nature of the fabric.

With a little practice you'll have a great finish

I use Latex its easy and cheep
and a nice coat of minwax poly U and your set for anything gass powered

Agreed. It is magic stuff! I have painted it with everything from K&B Epoxy to latex. I have even used MinWax stain to make it look antique! Great stuff. I just covered the rudder and elevators of my TF Mustang ARF with it and used latex and krylon to paint. You can't go wrong with SolarTex.
GY

What do you use to fuel proof for glow?
I'm covering a Skyshark Dauntless with Solartex right now.

Mark

For fuel proofing on over several different paints I have had great luck with either Coverite brand clear coat or Top Flite LusterKoat clear. A little expensive but worth it. The LusterKote doe not seem to yellow with age...
GY

Additional note: Just be sure to do a test panel with your paint before committing it to the model.

Guys.... we carry Solartex as well, white only because it is so easy to paint.

Steve
http://www.californiasailplanes.com

I have bought a GP Patriot which is covered in Solartex and been sprayed in a camo scheme. However I want a different, black, scheme.

Can I just buy a can of gloss black car spray??


Cheers
Dave

can also get solartex at balsa usa

http://www.balsausa.com/coverings/it...=39&shopperid=

and at bay hobby

http://www.bayhobby.com/categories.asp


BUT I have yet to find it in Canada. Pity.

I got mine at A&J's in Markham. Give them a call to confirm before you make the drive...

[link=http://www.ajhobby.com/textlinks.asp?page=about]A&J Hobbies[/link]

Juice

Thanks !

can anyone answer my question?

Yes but you loose the texture and add weight.

Thanks GB.

I can cope with those factors.