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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: RogerGreene on July 07, 2014, 10:28:15 AM

Title: Clean off glow fuel before painting!
Post by: RogerGreene on July 07, 2014, 10:28:15 AM
I just flew my clear doped plane no I want to paint it. What is a good method/cleaner to get the caster.

Roger G.
Title: Re: Clean off glow fuel before painting!
Post by: Paul Smith on July 07, 2014, 10:50:10 AM
Windex for starters.

Then denatured alcohol if you're really serious.
Title: Re: Clean off glow fuel before painting!
Post by: Tim Wescott on July 07, 2014, 10:54:48 AM
Then denatured alcohol if you're really serious.

If you really want to clean something with a solvent, like alcohol (or water, for that matter), don't just get things damp and let it dry.  The solvent will carry your grease away, but only if you provide enough solvent to do the job, and only if you remove the solvent before it evaporates.

I'd go over the plane several times with Windex, and use lots of it (for the same reason as you use lots of solvent).  Then I'd finish up with a paper towel that's sopping wet with denatured alcohol followed immediately by a wipe-down with a dry rag or towel.  If you get it wet with alcohol and then let the stuff dry, all you've done is spread the oil evenly over the finish.  You can only take the oil away if you're taking away the solvent while it's wet.
Title: Re: Clean off glow fuel before painting!
Post by: steve bittner on July 07, 2014, 12:13:09 PM
Use product called Prep Sol for final cleaning and then tack rag. Pick it up at Auto paint store
Title: Re: Clean off glow fuel before painting!
Post by: Mike Haverly on July 07, 2014, 12:29:11 PM
Prep Sol contains naphtha.  I use Wyndex, original formula only, then naphtha, then tack cloth.  Don't touch the surface, your hands contain oil.  Prep Sol is probably the absolutely correct product, but, if you are at all budget minded, naphtha is much less expensive and from what I can tell works just as well.  FYI, I have tried both.  Also, using either for finish sanding, (final) with say, 2500 grit, it works much better that soapy water. 
Title: Re: Clean off glow fuel before painting!
Post by: John Stiles on July 07, 2014, 12:34:58 PM
I've been using windex since the 60s...it's only gotten better! ;D
Title: Re: Clean off glow fuel before painting!
Post by: 55chevr on July 07, 2014, 04:57:58 PM
Prep Sol is a long established automotive finish prep and tough to beat.   Wipe it on, wait for it dry and then wipe it off.   
Title: Re: Clean off glow fuel before painting!
Post by: RogerGreene on July 07, 2014, 11:08:11 PM
Thanks all much appreciated. Prep Sol, windex and denatured alcohol.

Roger.
Title: Re: Clean off glow fuel before painting!
Post by: goozgog on July 08, 2014, 04:23:39 AM
Hey Kids!  Mr. Safety here again.
Never forget that Naphtha is a
close relative of gasoline and that
the fumes are explosive.
Never use it in any enclosed space
that you don't want to be
an open space.

I know I'm nagging. Sorry.
Title: Re: Clean off glow fuel before painting!
Post by: Paul Smith on July 08, 2014, 06:12:02 AM
I work with Windex, denatured alchohol, and acetone all the time and don't take much in the way of personal precautions.

I've heard of the "Prep Sol" for a long time and never used it.  I get the idea that it's an industrial strength per-painting chemical.  Would it also take off the underlaying clear dope?

Title: Re: Clean off glow fuel before painting!
Post by: Allan Perret on July 08, 2014, 07:58:14 AM
Naptha, do not let it dry, wipe off while still wet.  Will not hurt dopes.