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Building Tips and technical articles. => Paint and finishing => Topic started by: James Mills on March 02, 2010, 10:15:10 PM

Title: Clear coating canopies
Post by: James Mills on March 02, 2010, 10:15:10 PM

Do I need to sand the canopy before I put on any clear?

Thanks,

James

Title: Re: Clear coating canopies
Post by: Mark Scarborough on March 02, 2010, 10:26:34 PM

I always do, generally with 600 grit of finer. Are you clearing with dope or something else?

Title: Re: Clear coating canopies
Post by: john e. holliday on March 03, 2010, 09:10:34 AM

I usually just makes sure the canopy is clean.  Using Windex or any window cleaner to make sure there is no oil residue from the hands.  The wife also thinks I am loony when I was my hands before working on the finish of a plane. #^ H^^

Title: Re: Clear coating canopies
Post by: Randy Powell on March 03, 2010, 05:27:23 PM

Yea, this is one of the ways that you get that no line look along the canopy edge. Sand down the canopy and edges to get a smooth transition from the plastic to the paint, then shoot clear over the whole thing. If you shoot dope over the canopy, go easy since the solvent can warp the canopy. Several light coats is a lot better than one heavy one.

Title: Re: Clear coating canopies
Post by: Scott B. Riese on March 03, 2010, 06:59:33 PM

One more thing....Don't use to much retarder in the clear. H^^

Title: Re: Clear coating canopies
Post by: James Mills on March 05, 2010, 07:19:21 PM

Quote from: Mark Scarborough on March 02, 2010, 10:26:34 PM

I always do, generally with 600 grit of finer. Are you clearing with dope or something else?

I haven't sprayed any color yet, just want to make sure the clear sticks.

Thanks,

James

Title: Re: Clear coating canopies
Post by: Howard Rush on March 05, 2010, 09:42:30 PM

I handled my plane with nitrile gloves before spraying clearcoat on it. The gloves contaminated the finish. Latex may be better.

Title: Re: Clear coating canopies
Post by: Steve Fitton on March 06, 2010, 06:14:53 AM

Quote from: Howard Rush on March 05, 2010, 09:42:30 PM

I handled my plane with nitrile gloves before spraying clearcoat on it. The gloves contaminated the finish. Latex may be better.

Or try another brand of gloves.  It was probably the type of release agent they used that attacked the finish.  Do be careful, some brands of gloves have release agents that attack your hands as well as the finish.

Title: Re: Clear coating canopies
Post by: billbyles on March 08, 2010, 10:43:28 PM

Quote from: Steve Fitton on March 06, 2010, 06:14:53 AM

Or try another brand of gloves.  It was probably the type of release agent they used that attacked the finish.  Do be careful, some brands of gloves have release agents that attack your hands as well as the finish.

I have been using the Nitrile gloves from Harbor Freight and have had no problems with contamination.  They are sold in a box of 100 gloves for about $8.00.

Bill

Title: Re: Clear coating canopies
Post by: john e. holliday on March 09, 2010, 09:31:23 AM

I use the Harbor Freight gloves also.  Only thing is by the time I am done so I can take them off, my hands look like I have been washing dishes all day.  Nothing like sweaty hands.   H^^