Paint Cracks

[sierrasplitter]

Not familiar with the product , but to clean glue and paint off ?

 

[Subsonic]

Not familiar with the product , but to clean glue and paint off ?

The can says it can be used anywhere MEK is used. That means it should soften and remove Randolf Butyrate Dope, right? I was hoping someone could verify it worked for that, specifically.

 

[RRHall]

It SHOULD but that doesn't mean it will. My experience with MEK substitutes has been mixed. When I had a plane with Poly-Fiber on it it would work but not anywhere near as quickly or effectively as real MEK. Your results using it on dope might be different. I think Acetone wil work as well if I recall.

 

[sierrasplitter]

MEK , acetone , butyrate thinner . They all work but some are better than others . MEK is the best . Wear a mask , and don’t soak seams or tapes

 

[sierrasplitter]

Thanks for the advice guys . May not win oshkosh but Im
pretty happy so far . Fist coat of silver

 

[andya]

I have used MEK Substitute with Poly Fiber Poly Tack (cement) and Poly Tone as a thinner, never had a problem that work was repairs for small areas.

 

[Steve Pierce]

This thread is probably pertinent for my question: Is MEK Substitute adequate for use on a Ceconite Randolf Dope coating?
Thx.

I would think so but I have never used it. I buy MEK (the real stuff) in a 55 gallon drum. Cost me $12-14 a gallon. Wear gloves, it soaks into your skin and never leaves your body. Bad stuff. I hate it but it does a job.

 

[Subsonic]

View attachment 22441View attachment 22442

Repair looks like it's progressing very well. Question: My plane doesn't have the forward inspection ports shown in your photos. Do they allow access to the diagonal brace bolt that goes through the gas tank?

 

[sierrasplitter]

Do they allow access to the diagonal brace bolt that goes through the gas tank?

Yes , exactly .

 

[sierrasplitter]

All holes are patched now . Two wing tip scuffs and one small rock through the bottom
of the elevator . Im learning a few things as I go . Like that small patch under the elevator . Should have cut a square hole instead of just putting a patch over a rip . As you can see in the pic tge rip will still be visible
But , we ain’t shooting for a Win at Oshkosh and sim sure there will be more rock hits in that area some zim
ok with the repair . Can’t see it anyway unless you crawl under the tail

 

[sierrasplitter]

After spraying the second coat of Silver yesterday I noticed an issue . Inside of one of the inspection rings the first layer of cloth is not bonding to the cloth below . It is limited to inside the ring so I think if I cut out the inspection hole before I paint my color coats I will be ok The lip of the ring and outside the ring are rock solid . A bit hard to see but those two ripple looking areas on the one on the left

 

[tloes]

I had to do the same kind of ring repair on my bird a long time ago. When I cut out the fabric inside of the ring, I didn't actually remove the material. I slit it like pie or pizza slices then folded and glued the triangular remnants back over the "inside" of the hole. In my opinion, this ends up being more durable and less likely to delaminate.

 

[sierrasplitter]

I ended up cutting the hole . I was trying your method tloes but I had already painted silver on and the cloth wasn’t very flexible . I put the color on and I’m really happy .
If you had paid me to fix your plane you probably wouldn’t be happy ��.
But , having never done this and the fact I have a satin finish and It’s more an off airport than airshow plane , I’m smiling Proof will be 2-3 years of service . But at least I’m no longer afraid of the cloth

 

[Steve Pierce]

The more you do, the more you learn and the more comfortable you get at it. Glad my daughter took to fabric 10 years ago. Not enough fabric people these days.

 

[Gilbert Pierce]

I think fabric work is one of the most rewarding skills I learned. You have that sense of accomplishment that makes SIERRASPLITER smile.

 

[Armstrong]

I agree Gilbert, I find fabric work to be almost therapeutic! I want to try the Stewart system to get away from the chemicals though.

And Sierrasplitter, I think too, that if you use the recessed, non-slip inspection covers in that area, they’ll stay put. It seems the worst of that damage in that area happens when you lose a cover in flight. Are there “bolt-through” certified covers out there? I’ve seen non-pma’d ones for exp.

Really nice looking plane by the way, I’ve been admiring it on the forum for a few years!!

 

[Jim]

Hi,

A #4 sheet metal screw in the covers front edge works well too.

 

[sierrasplitter]

Fly for an hour to test , mixed results
On the right side I had sanded over the rib stitching long ago and needed to put finishing tape over the two inboard ribs . I also did not cut out inspection holes , so the right side is great
The left side I didn’t sand the rib lacing but it had cracked so I used MEK to clean that area before paint . I can now see a bit of silver on sone of the stitching . I may have to go back and put finishing tape on those two ribs and paint again on that side .
I also cut the holes out on the left and tried those nice inspection covers with the two screws that are supposed to be better , well on my plane those still walk so ok screws for those
Still happy . Only problems now with one area instead of four
Here is a pic of what’s going on at the laces

 

[Gilbert Pierce]

Just like Armstrong, I use the recessed inspection covers and they stay put.

 

[Jim]

Hi,

...." I may have to go back and put finishing tape on those two ribs and paint again on that side."

Normally the tapes are on before the silver.

 

[sierrasplitter]

Correct Jim
But this problem started on this side along the ribs . Cracks where the laces are . Don’t know why . Was hoping new paint ( rand-o-proof,rand-o-fill , and dope ) would stop it . I don’t think it will . If it doesn’t a new strip of finishing tape along the rib will stop it

 

[Jim]

Hi again,

I didn't realize there was already tape on the rib, or even recall the original details in what you were fighting to eliminate. The thicker the paints and things get the harder it gets to stop cracks, being fresh and softer should help though.

 

[Steve Pierce]

I have a theory about cracking after having refinished over cracking many times only to see them reappear many times in short order. I think maybe the fibers in the fabric weave work and weaken and maybe that is why they reappear so quickly.