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Stits finishing system

Stuka Stunt Main Forum · 5 of 5 known posts recovered

dennis · Mar 24, 2004 08:00 AM

#0 source
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I'm faced with the prospect of finishing another plane and as usual the final finish has to be decided on.
I'm not a fan of dope, not that it's bad I just don't think it's fun rubbing and buffing dope to get a nice finish.
I've used most of the rattle can types over the years with various success, really depending on whether you get a decent spray nozzle with the can.
I use water based urethanes as a base and have used acrylics and Lustercoat over them.
Lustercoat is now personna non grata for me because of it's terrible spray problems.
I have to qualify this and say that I don't have an area to spray 2 part urethanes and really don't want the problems inherent with such a system even though the results are truly beautiful
I was a the W.R.A.M.S. show in February and this time I took the time to stop at the Stits booth, it's F&M enterprises. Many of you know that this is probably one of the major finishing methods for full size aviation.
I liked what I saw and the products are certainly easy enough to use. Cost while it is high is not excessive as most of the products come already thinned and ready for spraying and the thinner is MEK not a big deal to get or use. On top of that you would have more then enough to do a lot of planes and the shelf life of the product is nominally rated at 4 years. For info purposes a quart of paint will do at least 50 sq feet, that's a lot of area.
So to the point. Has anyone used this product on a model and what results did you achieve. Second and big thing what is the odor factor in this stuff. I forgot to ask but some have told me that it is fairly noxious stuff to smell. Was the finish light enough to be acceptable and was the finish at least able to be a middle row at the nats.
Thanks Dennis

TigreST · Mar 24, 2004 08:41 AM

#1 source
I've never used the stuff, but would make comment on the smell. If MEK is part of the mix it's going to stink big time,..unless MEK has changed from what I remember. PPE will be as big a part of the process as is the case with two part auto systems I'd think/hope, if your spraying it.

Tony

ty marcucci · Mar 24, 2004 10:33 AM

#2 source
The only two people I know that have used this brand are Ed Culver and "Bad Andy" Patterson. They appeared to like it. From what I've seen of it, it covers quickly with one coat but is heavy. It peels like vinyl when you try to remove it from the plane and will dissolve in Acetone.

Ron King · Mar 24, 2004 10:50 AM

#3 source
I've only done this on full size airplanes. I would consider it fine for full size airplanes and giant scale RC. After all, what's another pound on a full size bird, or 50 lb miniature?

Way too heavy for CL unless they have a lighter weight cloth and process.

WINGWALK · Mar 26, 2004 01:09 AM

#4 source
I have used the stits to cover/paint my Clpped wing T-craft years ago. It does cover fast and does remain very plyable. Would have to agree about the weight also. It's a little on the heavy side for my tastes in C/L. Can you believe I said I had tastes on here? LOL

As for the smell. I can still smell the paint on that plane and I don't have it anymore!

Kirk Wicker
www.wingwalk.com