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Building Tips and technical articles. => Paint and finishing => Topic started by: Tim Wescott on April 20, 2019, 03:46:56 PM

Title: Clear over old dope & maybe wax.
Post by: Tim Wescott on April 20, 2019, 03:46:56 PM

I got a plane from a friend (not the Atlantis, which I know to be clear-coated).  It had some serious hanger rash, which required patching some ripped silkspan.

I want to spot in clear over the repairs, but I don't know if the plane has been waxed.

Is there a good reliable way of removing wax from dope that doesn't remove the dope, too?

Title: Re: Clear over old dope & maybe wax.
Post by: Dave Royer on April 20, 2019, 05:25:24 PM

Prep sol then windex.

Title: Re: Clear over old dope & maybe wax.
Post by: Mike Haverly on April 20, 2019, 07:09:25 PM

Naptha, works great and much less expensive than Prepsol.

Title: Re: Clear over old dope & maybe wax.
Post by: Phil Krankowski on April 21, 2019, 07:17:06 PM

Ammonia strips wax.  Floor wax, automotive wax, crayon and candle wax, doesn't matter too much.  Silicone based coatings are another story, and I don't know how to remove those.

A gallon of grocery store ammonia is some $2.  Dillute in warm water, apply, let sit a few minutes, wipe off.  When satisfied rinse with water.  Allowing overnight to dry is probably a good idea too.  I would use several clean rags for each step and not too wet.

I would still test but I am pretty confident that dope is unaffected by ammonia.

Phil

Title: Re: Clear over old dope & maybe wax.
Post by: john e. holliday on April 21, 2019, 08:16:34 PM

If you use Ammonia make sure have plenty of fresh air. D>K