How to tint a canopy
 

I have tinted a small canopy long time agor with Rite Dye. I bought more dye now and want to tint a large canopy. How can this be done easy? Also what are the latest glues that work good to glue a canopy on? Thanks Very much, Capt,n

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

Here's how i do it:

1) Get a clean 4 or 5 gallon bucket (at least big enough to completely submerge the canopy).
2) fill with water, distilled if you have really hard water
3) For a smoky look, use 2/3 bottle of black and 1/3 bottle of denim blue
4) heat mixture to 140-150 degrees (turkey fryer thermometer works good for monitoring temp) I use a 110 v submersible heating element.
5) leave the canopy in original form, meaning DON"T CUT IT), wash well with soap and water, and don't touch it!
6) submerge in dye.
7) check every 10 minutes or so for desired darkness
8) for really dark, leave it in heated mixture for an hour or so, then remove heat and let it soak overnight
9) trim, and use RC 560 canopy glue

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

The canopy material used years ago would all take dye.

A large number of the mfg's today are making canopies with a plastic that won't take dye. Some will, some won't.

So if your dye doesn't take, the alternative is paint made specifically for the job. Most LHSs that have a decent stock of RC cars will have it in a couple of different shades.

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

If I use paint is it sprayed on like inside of canopy or both sides? Anyone got any other easy ways? Thanks Capt,n

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

spray it on the inside. make sure it's clean and dry before painting


Tom

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

A while back I decided to try and give my plane a smoked metallic look. So all I did was spray two light coats of aluminum lustrekote, letting each coat dry before reapplying. i think it came out great and get alot of compliments at the field. I would guess regular colors would give the same effect as long as its kept light. I am planning on giving it a shot on the next plane. I would practice first. I plan on using clear juice or soda bottles cut in half as my dummy canopy to try first. See if you like, and if it works....just do it!


Tip: For a little extra detail...maybe try using a Vinyl mask of some sort prior to painting. Whether it be pilot name or whatever. See pic.

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

Two things that help Rit dye take to canpoies are to add a little salt and some vinegar to the mix. I believe they are called "mordants" and help the dye permiate and take.

I like silicone adhesive for canpoies. I've had poor results with some "white" glues billed as canopy glues, but probably because I am lazy and don't strip back the covering before gluing doen the canopy.

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

Now its getting hard to decide what to try...anymore ideas or comments? Thanks Capt,n:)

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

Hi!
RC-56 canopy glue!

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

Hey, Thanks a lot Guys. I did the paint job from inside with some crome paint I had...looks ok to me! I will post a photo here shortly. Next...install it. Will the monocote it contacts take glue or should I try clear silicone sealant, which I have lots of??? Best Regards Capt,n;)

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

I used some rattle can aluminum paint on the inside of a canopy. I got a canopy aluminum on the inside and grey seen from the outside. So I'd suggest a test on any metalic paint. Chrome canopy above looks good. What brand paint did you use? A friend has used chrome paint intended for bumpers of plastic model cars. Used it on the outside and put 2-part urathane over it.

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

Nice look to that canopy. Think I'll do the next one like that.

Canopy glue grips ultra/mono. Give it a minute after placing it. It initially draws up like it's not going to stick. I use a Q-tip and smooth that out and after a minute it sticks good. Q-tip the inside of the canopy while the stuff on the fuselage is getting a better grip.

What squeezes out gets wiped off with a wet paper towel. What squeezes inside cures clear and is hardly visible.

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

What I do... For a clean install you could also dry fit canopy, and use masking tape to mask area around canopy for glue that might run out. I use RC-56. Once glue and canopy are in place....I use masking tape again along front, sides and back of canopy for tight fit while drying.

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

RC56 will bond well to the monocote but I always take a small t-pin and poke hundreds of tiny holes into the balsa through the covering . The RC56 will run into the holes and get a super grip.

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

Now that is a good Idea also! Capt,n

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

I heard the glue used to glue the feathers onto a arrow shaft is real good to glue canopies on. You can find it at sport shops!!!! Capt,n:D

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

thanks for the salt vinegar tip.I recently tried dyeing a canopy but it didn't take and likely its the new stuff but I bought some testors and sprayed the inside canopy to the shade I wanted .no problems.

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

I use an ammo can, with the lid removed on teh stove. They are large enough to hold most canopies. Use the powdered RIT dye. Black seems to work best. Tried green on a TigerII and the canopy came out looking like wax paper. Heat it to 135 or so - use the wife's candy thermometer, which she always appreciates. Like has been said, keep it clean, and don't touch. Use tongs, lest your fingers become the color of the dye.
Keep an eye on things, and check often. Once the dye starts to 'take', things go quickly.

I used this dye process on my TF Contender last summer. Still stick the canopy on with dood old slo-cure epoxy. Rust-oleum (brush-on) on the outside for the edging. Works like a charm.

RE: How to tint a canopy
 

I did use the arrow fletching glue you can buy at most sport shops...even W.world. Here is a photo of the canopy with red trim tape. Capt,n