Eagler's Nest

Airframes => Single Seaters => XL => Topic started by: XL-C-100 on August 06, 2014, 08:25:57 AM

Title: seal coat for wing
Post by: XL-C-100 on August 06, 2014, 08:25:57 AM

I am getting ready to seal coat the wood for my first wing and I am a first time builder so I have a few questions.

Is it appropriate to use a hardware store water based polyurethane, if not what would be correct?

What areas do I need to tape off so I can get a good bond with the fabric?

Title: Re: seal coat for wing
Post by: Sam Buchanan on August 06, 2014, 09:51:05 AM

Quote from: XL-C-100 on August 06, 2014, 08:25:57 AM

I am getting ready to seal coat the wood for my first wing and I am a first time builder so I have a few questions.

Is it appropriate to use a hardware store water based polyurethane, if not what would be correct?

What areas do I need to tape off so I can get a good bond with the fabric?

Nate, I used an oil-based varnish from a local source, water-based might work fine. No need to varnish the edge of the ribs where the fabric will glue or the entire leading edge. No need for elaborate taping, just lightly sand off any varnish that gets on the caps or leading edge. Our planes aren't stored outside so the main reason for sealing is to keep moisture in the wood.

If you use a two-part varnish such as PolyFiber you can coat the entire wing because the fabric glue won't dissolve it.