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Thread: Covering system. Who's used what?

  1. #1
    cook11's Avatar
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    Default Covering system. Who's used what?

    What fabric and covering system seems to be the most ideal on the market currently?

  2. #2
    andya's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering system. Who's used what?

    I'm going to say the Stewarts system and Poly Fiber.
    Not sure how popular it is but Superflite System 7

    seems to be a very good system.
    "Progress is our most important problem"

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    gliderman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering system. Who's used what?

    I used poly fiber
    came out well I think

    https://www.facebook.com/COPAnational/

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    Default Re: Covering system. Who's used what?

    Check out Stargloss - sold by the Poly Fiber consolidated coating guys. It's effectively the same as type of process as the polyfiber up to the silver coat. Instead of Polyfiber silver, you use a urethane primer that only requires a 2 cross coat application at the same time. Touch with a light sanding and ready for color. Much easier than all the build up and sanding coats of silver and more durable. I covered a large warbird control surface with this and it was much quicker and easier. It has held up extremely well to date. I have covered several airplanes using the poly fiber complete process and they have all come out very well and have held up over the years. Just takes more time and sanding on the silver to get that really nice smooth finish than using the Stargloss primer. My opinion is that Stargloss combines the best of the old tried and true polyfiber with the newer urethane based primers like the newer hi tech coatings are using.
    Tom Ferraro
    PA22/20-160 N25TJ

  5. #5
    Stephen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering system. Who's used what?

    Polyfiber is excellent. I switched to Stewart's years ago because it is nontoxic, easy to use, easy to make repairs and you can get a great finished product.
    "You can only tie the record for flying low."

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    Old3pacer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering system. Who's used what?

    All of those are excellent! Stewarts is easy to use. Polyfiber, while smelly and toxic, has a long record of demonstrated durability. Superflight is the ceconite fabric that I believe Stewarts recommends. Additionally, new kid on the block is oratex - looks easy, no paint, very expensive, may be a faster application. [YMMV]

  7. #7
    Administrator Steve Pierce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering system. Who's used what?

    I see you started this thread in the Experimental section. I haven't used any experimental covering systems so no experience. I have used almost every system out there and tend to favor Polyfiber because that seems to be the easiest for me to use with the best long term results. There are several threads on this website on fabric systems as well.

  8. #8
    rocket's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering system. Who's used what?

    I ruined a lot of brain cells with aviation chemicals so when Stewart's came around I was all over it. Ditto Oretex. Each has its place but the solvent based systems are doomed.

    Funny thing, I've been building guitars and decided I'll be finishing the tops in nitrate dope. Go figure...

    Rocket

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    Default Re: Covering system. Who's used what?

    Can anyone give me a contact (phone, email etc) for someone who can give me a good run down on the Superflite fabrics, tapes etc.?
    Thanks.

  10. #10
    Administrator Steve Pierce's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering system. Who's used what?

    Randy Long 325-625-5495 longsair@hotmail.com

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