fabric spot repair question

[Tom G]

Today a seat belt was left outside the door and banged on the side of the fuselage. It caused several chips in the paint just under the door and actually took the silver off too. Very small areas but I'd like to repair it. There is also an extremely small rip in the fabric by one of them. I can get to the back side of the fabric and just wondered what the best thing to do for a spot repair might be.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[d.grimm]

Re: fabric spot repair question

What type of finish or cover?
Used to hang out a Air Repair in Cleveland MS (home of the Stearmans) and I asked the old fabric guys why they still used butyrarate dope. His reply, as he gave me the evil eye was "you're pretty arrogant if you think you will never damage one of these". I took that as you better use a system that is easily repairable. Had the same seat belt issue with my Pacer and I am sure you couldn't find the repair when it was done. (Butyrate) I do learn as I get older.

[Ray36048]

Re: fabric spot repair question

You can glue a patch on the inside and renew the silver and the finish on the outside.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: fabric spot repair question

very much depends on what covering system is on it as to how you can repair it. I have used them just about and they are all a little different on how to repair them.

Mike

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: fabric spot repair question

NOTHING repairs like Cotton with Nitrate then Butyrate Dope. I have done MANY repairs I have trouble finding now in Cotton. The new synthetic fabrics don't repair as easily or invisibly as Cotton but you can't find the Cotton any more anyway.

The WORST to repair are the Polyurethanes. Just paint the repair as a marking and tell people it is supposed to look like that.
Hank

[Ragwing nut]

Re: fabric spot repair question

NOTHING repairs like Cotton with Nitrate then Butyrate Dope. I have done MANY repairs I have trouble finding now in Cotton. The new synthetic fabrics don't repair as easily or invisibly as Cotton but you can't find the Cotton any more anyway.

The WORST to repair are the Polyurethanes. Just paint the repair as a marking and tell people it is supposed to look like that.
Hank

There is 2 companies selling certified cotton and linen. The only difference is that it is short staple instead of long staple unless they have changed it. It is not cheap either. I still use cotton for the fabric tipping on our props, dacron just won't work.

Mike

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: fabric spot repair question

Yes, I have seen it. The short twill cotton just passed a punch test when it was brand new. I can't imagine it lasting more than a year or two outside and not much more in a hangar. I was really disappointed. The stuff we got in the 70s would consistently punch almost twice as high. If I was building a plane for a display I would use it because cotton does just look good with dope, but for flying my backside is just too valuable to me to use short twill cotton.
Oh well, maybe more practice with the Polyester will start looking better.
Hank

[Ragwing nut]

Re: fabric spot repair question

I am able to get a very nice finish with stits but it requires a few tricks and lots of patience.

Mike

[DanBrown]

Re: fabric spot repair question

I have the Stits system on my BC-65. Any hints on repairing, getting paint to match, etc.. would be very helpful.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: fabric spot repair question

I have the Stits system on my BC-65. Any hints on repairing, getting paint to match, etc.. would be very helpful.

Polytone or Aerothane top coat. If Polytone you can patch like dope. paint will never match, no uv chemicals in it. Aerothane you will have to glue a patch over the finish and feather the best you can. Don't know about the reformulated Aerothane, but it use to fade as well.

Mike