How to identify the covering type

M

mAlton

New member
Is there a way to identify the type of covering material if there is nothing noted in the logbooks? I have a 14-19 and I know it isn't the original covering, but I can't figure out what it is. If I were to ever decide to repaint it, would I need to know the material type to decide on the type of paint to use? Thanks.

Michael
 
For some fabrics I have seen the manufacturer's name stamped on the backside of the fabric. So if this is the case for your aircraft a bright light and a good look through the battery compartment may work. I have also heard that at one time the different fabrics were tinted different colors but that could be an old wives tale...

Jack
 
Looking inside the fuselage if it is pink it is PolyFiber(Stitts) Poly-Brush ,if it is blue green it is the Ceconite nitrate fill dope. This is the general color although they do offer clear. These are both white Dacron but with different weaves ( you can't tell by looking at it so it is stamped) It is colored by STC process so you can see what you missed when you fill the weave.You will also note a stamp every three feet saying PolyFiber medium or Ceconite 102. Or if your really unlucky it could be cotton! In regard to the finish coat a little MEK will tell you if it is dope or polyurethane. MEK does nothing to the poly and everything to the dope. You can recondition the dope but the Poly is pretty much bullet proof. Lynn the crate :?
 
Lynn, unless I have been sniffing too much of it, doesn't MEK dissolve Polybrush and Polyspray?

I know MEK doesn't do anything to Imron, and I really haven't worked with other processes than Polyfiber (Stits).

I do know that there have been instances of people using Polyfiber chemistry on Ceconite fabric, and dope on Polyfiber fabric, but than as I understand it, the fabrics (Ceconite and Polyfiber) are really the same...though I am sure the FAA would have a fit if they saw the two mixed.
Larry
 
Yes Larry MEK dissolves PolyBrush,PolySpray and PolyTack. It also dissolves dope. The manual calls MEK your friend as it erases mistakes. MEK will not dissolve Polyurethanes. So if your plane is painted with a dope MEK attacks and if has a Poly like Imron it won't do a thing. There is a new GREEN MEK now out. More enviro BS as it is just watered down MEK.It takes two gallons at twice the price to do what one gallon did originally. Again the only green involved IN GOD WE TRUST :mrgreen: Lynn
 
Thanks for the info guys. I had never noticed the stamping on the back side. I did find out it is Stits PolyFiber. At least now I know.

Michael
 
Thanks for asking Mike, we can all learn on the Forum. All you have to do is ask. Lynn the crate :D
 
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