John et al,
I did my trigear in Smooth Prime for all the positives that have already
been stated. I then had the aircraft professionally painted (rather than
by me) and after 5 years I am still very happy with the results. However
one other UK builder has not had such a good result with the same Smooth
Prime and same painter although it is being rectified in good order.
I was always told that damp was the main problem with the Poly Fiber
system ie it has to be absolutely dry before top coating and I know that
mine went into a newly built oven on a low heat after having 'cured' in
my garage for a couple of years after I painted the primer on.
I was interested to hear that the recommendation is now to seal with an
epoxy primer and I can see the logic but who does it - the builder or
the painter and does the primer also need sanding down.
At the end of the day you pays your money and ........
As I said I was delighted with my aircraft finish and would recommend
Smooth Prime again with the caveat.
Regards
Steve Pitt
G-SMDH
Trigear XS 912S
----- Original Message -----
From: John Wigney
To: Fred Klein ; Europa-List
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 4:55 PM
Subject: Europa-List: Re : Smooth Prime
Hi Fred,
I did my whole plane with Smooth Prime. I found it very easy to apply
with a small diameter foam roller and small plastic paint tray.
Instructions are at http://www.polyfiber.com/uvsmooth/
I did the 3 coats and sanded down with 320 grit. Sanded down again
with 320 after another 3 coats. Sanding of Smooth Prime to get a good
finish is very easy. As I remember the dilution, if any, was as
specified on the can. I sprayed Aerothane topcoat after this with good
results. I understand that some have had problems with the topcoat
possibly due to inadequate drying of the water based Smooth Prime.
Instructions are very clear that it should be left for 3 weeks to dry.
Poly Fiber now recommend sealing the Smooth Prime with epoxy primer. I
did not do this as it was not specified when I did the job.
Re quantity, I do not remember. Suggest you start with 1 gallon and
see how you get on.
Cheers, John
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
ORIGINAL MESSAGE
From: Fred Klein <fklein@orcasonline.com>
Subject: Europa-List: Smooth Prime
To those of you who have used Smooth Prime on their Europa XS...Have you
used it JUST on the filled/foam control surfaces?...or on the ENTIRE
airframe?
In either case, how much material is necessary for the required THREE
(undiluted) COATS before sanding?
Thanks in advance,
Fred
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