May 01, 2022
Fabric
Category: Empennage
Time has come to start on fabric.
I'm using the 2.7 oz polyfibre product and the HIPEC coating system. HIPEC was developed many years ago by Chris Falconer in Edmonton Ab.
It is certified by Transport Canada for use on most fabric aircraft including high speed aircraft.
One advantage is that the coatings produce such a strong attachment to structure that rib stitching is not required which is a big time saver. One disadvantage is that it is rather toxic, so breathing protection is mandatory as well as ventilation.
The fabric is secured to the perimeter with Hipec Attach Glue ( HAG). It is a fast drying rubbery product that sets quickly.
It only requires a 1/2” of overlap for a secure seam.
After trimming and shrinking, the silver Sun Barrier (SB) is applied over the ribs. I put masking tape on each side of the rib and generously applied the SB with a narrow brush.
Next step is to brush or roller in (vigorously) a coat of SB to the fabric. This coat must not leave any pin holes, so close inspection is necessary. The correct technique is soon acquired to confidently seal the fabric.
The next step is to spray on the second coat of SB.
Its now ready for color.
Because the Cub yellow has low “hiding” quality's, it is better to spray a white coat first. The Hipec color is a 2 part polyurethane product that sprays nicely (even for a 1st time amateur).
After the white is set (couple hours) the yellow is sprayed with two cross coats and if all goes well, its done.
My first effort on the tail feathers isn't perfect but good enough to fly.