Old Silk Removal

[Motorman]

Got a 70's combat job That's covered with silk and dope. The frame was built with epoxy so I think it's worth saving. The silk is rotted out or something and is ripped up. Should I just cut out the open bays and recover or make an attempt to remove all the old silk? Should I sand it off or maybe use dope thinner and peal it off?

Thanks,
MM

[Dave_Trible]

If it were me I'd just give it the acetone bath and pull it all off.  Putting new over old is just more weight and 'lumpy'.

Dave

[Don Hutchinson AMA5402]

I have used a paint stripper to remove covering from finished models. The stripper was (if my ancient memory hasn't failed me) Jasco and I think it was called a spray stripper but came in a quart can. Brush it on and wait, the covering should come off easily and leave the structure looking like new! I recall some postings on here years ago about this stuff. I also did a complete Stearman biplane with acetone, a big chore but left the model in quite good shape. Recovering and painting it in one piece was another story! Don't use acetone if the model was built with Ambroid or Sig Ment!
Just did a search here for Jasco stripper and got more info, others have used Dad's Spray stripper with good results. Do the search and read up on it.

[Dennis Toth]

One of the ways I have done this is to use a heat gun to soften the dope and lift off the covering. This works with film covering as well as silk. Go slow and use a glove on the hand near the heat.

Best,       DennisT

[Phil Spillman]

I've used a product called Zip Strip which worked much the same as the above items mentioned! I did this outside as the vapors yielded were most noxious! Also put old news paper under the "work" wore rubber gloves and used a spatula as in putty for stubborn spots.. easy pressure with the putty knife!

[Randy Cuberly]

I've used the Jasco Stripper that Don mentioned and it works realy well.  Put it on wait a few minutes, and wipe everything off...may have to pull the silk off of course.
The only caution is that this is exceedingly nasty stuff...use rubber gloves, and a respirator.
I've also used acetone also and it works but dries so fast that you have to keep applying it...much more work.
Applying a lot of heat like suggested will also work but definitely leaves it open to serious warps.

Randy Cuberly