Covering & Finishing system

[Marty Hammersmith]

     I am new to control line but have dabbled with dope and fabric on R/C planes. I'm currently using Sig Koverall which I really like with Stix-It and Brodak's dopes. Reading all the threads about varying degrees of fuel resistance, If I was starting from nothing today, what would you use over Koverall? I'm almost out of nitrate dope and from what I read, my Brodak colors are going to age out and go bad before too much longer. It would be a good time to start down a different path if there is a consensus on a superior coating system.

[Dennis Toth]

Marty,
Kover-all is pretty heavy so keep the trim color to a minimum. I would then do a couple coats of Brodak Cystal Clear or 1690 from Aircraft Spruce (https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/a1690butyrate.php) then a coat of 2K clear coat (Max 2K is available in a spray can). Paint can add lots of weight and for CL weight is the enemy.

Best,   DennisT

[Dave_Trible]

For control line where final weight is much more important than in RC,  I'd set the Koverall aside- just plain too heavy and will cause big warps in lighter structures.  Use something else.  If you like cloth type coverings go to silk.  Thai Silks on line is a good source and not too expensive.  Many if not most here will use a paper type covering for weight control.  Unfortunately the old favorite silkspan is no longer made.  There are a few other similar papers to be had but aren't quite the same.  Even an iron on plastic covering like Monocote would be far better than Koverall.  BTW Koverall is/was a SIG product and SIG is now DOA.......
I've always used Butyrate dope from the beginning, not nitrate, simply because it's fuel proof from the bare wood up.  You can buy tautening dope to tighten up the silk or whatever then switch to non-tautening after a few coats to minimize warping.  My best source for dope right now is Aircraft Spruce where I get Randolph brand.  Enjoy control line-we do!

Dave

[Dan Berry]

First thing to do is ditch the Koverall.
I'd use polyspan and nitrate dope topped with car paint for color then car paint clear.

[RC Storick]

  My best source for dope right now is Aircraft Spruce where I get Randolph brand.
Dave

But you get 10% off From WICKS aircraft using the code stunt10. https://www.wicksaircraft.com/  Be sure to tell them if you call Stunt Hangar sent you  https://www.wicksaircraft.com/search/?query=randolph