Guys, If you haven't already bought the Smooth Prime, I
strongly suggest giving some thought to gel coat. As far
as I know every competitive fibreglass glider uses this
system because it gives the ultimate finish, is very
durable, andgives ultimate aerodynamic performance. After
10 years my plane still has a surface which outshines
virtually all Europas. The process is also simple: it
needs a single sprayed layer (no primer, undercoat or UV
protection - the gel is itself UV opaque) and then is
rubbed down with wet & dry sandpaper 600, 1200 & 2000
grit. The finish is like the bit of anatomy that Cuban
virgins are alleged to use for rolling the best sort of
cigars!, and is absolutely what laminar flow surfaces
need. Unlike dry sanding, wet & dry finishing is a
pleasure. It is sometimes said to be heavy but my plane is
one of the lightest 914/wobbly prop planes on the
register. The only thing I would advise is that you get
the actual spraying done by an expert, someone who is used
to gel coating gliders.
regards, David Joyce, G-XSDJ
John Wigney <johnwigney@windstream.net> wrote:
> Hi Fred,
>
> I did my whole plane with Smooth Prime. I found it very
>easy to apply with a small diameter foam roller and small
>plastic paint tray. Instructions are at
>http://www.polyfiber.com/uvsmooth/
>
> I did the 3 coats and sanded down with 320 grit. Sanded
>down again with 320 after another 3 coats. Sanding of
>Smooth Prime to get a good finish is very easy. As I
>remember the dilution, if any, was as specified on the
>can. I sprayed Aerothane topcoat after this with good
>results. I understand that some have had problems with
>the topcoat possibly due to inadequate drying of the
>water based Smooth Prime. Instructions are very clear
>that it should be left for 3 weeks to dry. Poly Fiber now
>recommend sealing the Smooth Prime with epoxy primer. I
>did not do this as it was not specified when I did the
>job.
>
> Re quantity, I do not remember. Suggest you start with 1
>gallon and see how you get on.
>
> Cheers, John
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> ORIGINAL MESSAGE
>From: Fred Klein<fklein@orcasonline.com>
> Subject: Europa-List: Smooth Prime
> To those of you who have used Smooth Prime on their
>Europa XS...Have you used it JUST on the filled/foam
>control surfaces?...or on the ENTIRE airframe?
> In either case, how much material is necessary for the
>required THREE (undiluted) COATS before sanding?
> Thanks in advance,
>Fred
>
>
|