The truth about Deft Wood Sealer.

 I first mentioned Deft back in 2016 in the GBR-3 build where I used this product on the GBR-3. It's great stuff! Take a look at the build! I use it everywhere. I started using Deft back in 2016. I was actually introduced to Deft by another modeler, sorry, I don't remember who, so this product and it's use on model airplanes has been used by others and has been around a bit. Check out the GBR-3 build and see for yourself. 2016!!!

AS far as applying silk dry with CA this started back in 2016 also. It's not new!! This came about because of the time loss using other methods. I said, "There's gotta be a better way." So I came up with a better way. For me, it's a much better way. Finish a wing in minutes ready for clear dope. Can't beat this!!

WE all have our own way of doing things, don't we?

 The dry silk CA thing isn't new.

In 20I6, post #115, covered the GBR-3 tail feathers with CA and dry silk. 2016, post #214, same Thread, I covered the flaps with CA and dry silk. See post #217. Post #218, silk applied dry on the rudder. All happening in 2016"

Read post #233. I explain in detail how I cover a wing in minutes using CA and dry silk. Sad this isn't catching on.

OK. The ARGO 2 model. Visit the build. "Almost ready for paint."

https://stunthanger.com/smf/cfc-graphics/argo-ii-almost-ready-for-paint/

Post #13 I actually removed the silkspan and replaced it using CA and dry silk. It's all in the Builds and this is 2016.

Sure, I'd like to see more modelers use the dry silk CA method, why not. Keep in mind, I still use clear dope over "open bays." I use Deft on sheeted areas.

The TEXACO 13, my current model, will have Deft everywhere except the open bays. Open bays will be clear doped.

A few pictures from the Build where Deft is used and silk applied dry with CA. 2016.

Charles

More photos of areas covered with silk using Deft Wood Sealer. This isn't Photoshop, it's evidence that the product works.

Is that the lacquer or the water based? Is it just clear lacquer or does it have filler? Do you thin it?

Motorman,

It is the lacquer.

"Minwax" is the water based product, and I've used it also.

Just clear lacquer and "filler" isn't needed. For what? I have no "added" fillers to dope or Deft on any model I've built. I don't need them. Like I said, for what?

Applied ight out of the can and I force dry with a heat gun. I'm just about ready to apply two coats on the TEXACO 13. That will go quick.

Thanks for the reply.

Charles

Charles
Why bother with dope at all?

"Clear dope has it's purpose."

I caught that you said only on open bays...

Only on open bays. However, I use clear dope to stiffen balsa before I  use micro-balloons or putty on raw wood. What little clear dope was there gets sanded away.

but why not finish to your color/fuel proofer over all-Deft?

The only fuel proofer, in a clear which I know about is the auto two part clear, goes over every layer last. And there's a bunch of layers. Especially as they are both clear. That skips a full painting/cleaning cycle.

Does real dope butyrate or nitrate do anything on open bays better?

All I ever used on "open bays" is butyrate clear. There is a guy who uses Deft. At least he said he did. Many use Minwax water base.

I tried Deft over butyrate with a brush and promptly made a mess. This is the same with nitrate over butyrate.

I cannot speak for that, I have no difficulty with Deft. Go to the Builds!

However the same butyrate sprayed over Deft works fine. Just as it would over Nitrate.

I don't use clear butyrate over Deft.

Couple coats of Deft on the framed model, a light scratch to knock it down then comes the silk.

Charles

Maybe I'm thick but what does Deft wood sealer have that Nitrate dope doesn't? Is it cheaper, does it seal better, is it a better under coat for spray cans? I'm ready to believe.

Motorman

Motorman,

Yes, you're "thick." 

Throw the Nitrate away or give it to someone you don't like.  I've never built a model using Nitrate.

I put primer over the last coat of "whatever?" Deft on sheeted areas and clear dope on open bays. Minwax also.

Motorman, walk with me down "memory lane." It'll be fun.

https://stunthanger.com/smf/open-forum/the-argo-my-new-ride-is-back!/msg451056/#msg451056  ARGO

Charles

Deft is  a brushable lacquer. Which means it has slow solvents and maybe a retarder as well.
Deft also has something in it that creates a most egregious odor that goes beyond regular lacquer, dope, nail polish, dog turds and buffalo farts.
I cannot imagine a reason for using it on a toy airplane and I cannot imagine a wife allowing that smell anywhere near a house.

"What does Deft wood sealer have that Nitrate dope doesn't? Is it cheaper?

Motorman

My last quart was $12 and available at my local Mom and Pop hardware store. It behaves like nitrate and will shrink up without really shrinking into a pretzel...unless one lays it heavy and hits with a hairdryer.
The best part is the cost and availability. It seems to primer well, and old AeroGloss sprays over it just fine.  At least for me.