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Building Tips and technical articles. => Paint and finishing => Topic started by: Paul Smith on September 18, 2008, 01:09:42 PM

Title: Randolph clear dope - blushing and gloss..
Post by: Paul Smith on September 18, 2008, 01:09:42 PM
According to Randolph's (Brodak's source) instructions,

"If blushing is an issue, wait until the humidity is under 50%".

Well Hurricane Ike was passing though, and even on the North Coast it was 100% humidity and rain for four days.  But I have to make timing for a contest so I painted it anyway.  It blushed like crazy.  But when it got down to 45%, I gave the plane three coats of clear with a goodly dose of retarder and it all went away.  Problem solved.

Note: I'm in a free fight club where light is right.  So we don't mind seeing some light through the silk, paint, and maybe the wood.

One question:

Does anybody get a good gloss finish with Randolph clear sprayed on? 
Most of my planes are OK with a matte or semi-gloss finish, but if I ever do want gloss, can it be done with Randoplh?


Title: Re: Randolph clear dope - blushing and gloss..
Post by: Randy Powell on September 18, 2008, 01:51:23 PM
Yea, you have to wait awhile for the clear coat to gas off enough to sand it out and rub it up to get a really good gloss finish. I use Randolph's clear. I get it by the gallon from aircraft supply places. Good stuff, though thick as maple syrup until it's thinned. A lot. A really large amount.
Title: Re: Randolph clear dope - blushing and gloss..
Post by: Paul Smith on September 19, 2008, 07:12:50 AM
I buy mine at the ariport, too.  I usually get a gallon each of dope & thinner.  I've also got both tautening & non-tautening dopes.'

I'll try that super-thin retarded formula on another plane and see if it shines up better.
Title: Re: Randolph clear dope - blushing and gloss..
Post by: Randy Powell on September 19, 2008, 11:36:21 AM
>>retarted<<

Is that a tart that returned to the business?   LL~