I am getting ready to strip the covering off my L4. I have ordered Stits covering. Any tips and tricks would be great to know. This will be my first time be gentle.

i have the vhs tape and i think they have a dvd now, not to hard to use, i covered the stab,but need more time with the covering to help you thanks frank

Take a look at Krazy Karls scratch built 50% Pitts M12 thread......he used it on his airplane. I think I'm gonna have a go at it when I redo my 43% Edge......so take lots of pictures and keep us informed of your mistakes! I dont wanna do this twice



CB

This is my 40% Waco done in Stits.
Great stuff to use. I used the whole process, poly brush, poly spray(the silver UV coating...the only (lightly) sandable coating in the whole process), poly tone colour. Very easy to repair if you sc*w up. Also, being a solvent based paint, most of what you spray on, evaporates. MEK based, so a little stinky...wear a respirator.

Cheers,
Dave.
edit...make sure to paint the whole plane white before you add colours. Makes the colours much more brilliant , especially if using yellow!

Originally Posted by Chris Puckett

I am getting ready to strip the Chinacote off my L4. I have ordered Stits covering. Any tips and tricks would be great to know. This will be my first time be gentle.

Go online to aircraftspruce.com click on covering materials then Poly Fiber. Once you get there check out the Poly-Fiber how to cover an aircraft manual they offer for $9.95.
I used this book alot when i was covering full scale Piper Super Cubs. It explains the entire process in a manner that is very easy to understand and follow. It even describes the stitching process which to me was the most enjoyable part of the covering.
Good luck with your project

Originally Posted by mogman

This is my 40% Waco done in Stits.
Great stuff to use. I used the whole process, poly brush, poly spray(the silver UV coating...the only (lightly) sandable coating in the whole process), poly tone colour. Very easy to repair if you sc*w up. Also, being a solvent based paint, most of what you spray on, evaporates. MEK based, so a little stinky...wear a respirator.

Cheers,
Dave.
edit...make sure to paint the whole plane white before you add colours. Makes the colours much more brilliant , especially if using yellow!

VERY nice job mogman, that is an awesome looking airplane !!!!!!

It seems to me Stits is intended both for aviation and model bulding, this is the RC dedicated link http://www.stits.com/
My first contribution to FG by the way ;-)

Originally Posted by JoeVen

It seems to me Stits is intended both for aviation and model bulding, this is the RC dedicated link http://www.stits.com/
My first contribution to FG by the way ;-)

Masterful contribution! Welcome aboard!

Edit: I'm gonna order the Poly Lite model video!

CB

I have covered with Stits on full scale, and R/C for many years now, it is great stuff to work with and lasts for years.

Bob

I have never covered with Stits.. but I have been covered by zits.. does that count ;-)

Well my first shipment arrived today. Can't wait to get started. Oh yeah, 35 yards of covering as well.

Originally Posted by JoeVen

It seems to me Stits is intended both for aviation and model bulding, this is the RC dedicated link http://www.stits.com/
My first contribution to FG by the way ;-)

Great start

Quick question, do you prep the wood in any way? Book says varnish the ply on a full scale. What's the rule on balsa?

The poly brush (the pink stuff) is to bond the fabric to the wood. Only do the edges with poly tak.
No other preparation is required, except to make sure there are no lumps and bumps etc.
Get yourself a container of MEK for clean up etc.

I recovered my 1/3 super cub a couple of years ago with Stits. Follow the book and you will be fine. I did have some trouble with pinholes over wood surfaces. My next one will get sealed with non shrinking dope before covering.

Mark