Not Becoming a Dope!

Good Morning All:

I've started to do some plane finishing work now (first since the 60's) And now I'm wondering what kind of setup you all use to apply dope and other paint finishes "with proper ventilation" (does that mean breathing really deeply?)

Especially in the winter in the colder climates--(Currell? Old Sourdough?) I have a garage but it is unheated--I've been thinking of building a small paint booth/hood with something like a furnace blower--venting outside. Anyone else done this? Sketches? Other than the room it will take up (and sucking all the warm air outta da cabin), I think it will work ok.

Any hints or guidance?

Thanks

Curt in Michigan

First order of Business--Get all Brodak dope, including their thinner. I know, I know, it costs more up front. But you use less and it gives a much better finish. It also dries fast which is going to be your major concern.

When we used SIG dope Matt painted in the garage, gave it a couple of hours to dry, then brought it into the house and you could smell it for a week. After switching to Brodak he paints in a workship we set up upstairs--yes, in the house. He cracks open a window, has a fan blowing while painting (not heat efficient in winter, but it works). When he is done, he shuts the window, and an hour later the smell is gone. In the summer with airconditioning, in the winter with heat, no difference. And we are talking 60 inch span full-house stunt ships, the last of which made the front row in the appearance judging at the Nats.

Leonard Neumann

Yes--so far, I agree with your Brodak v. Sig findings. I tried the Sig Lite stuff--it dries so fast its hard to use--perhaps I should have been using thinner and/or retarder. Then I read (on this Forum Board I think) regarding the shrinking v. non-shrinking and plsticizing blends. Went out and got some Brodak clear and some thinner. Its working just like I remember.

I'd like to get to a point where I can spray it but need to get some type hood first. I've sprayed alot in the boat building business--everything including two-part epoxies and catalzed urethanes.

Does Matt apply with a brush or spray?

Thanks

Matt brushes to apply the cover, but everything else is sprayed. He has three "guns"--the big one like the auto shops use, a "touch up" gun, and an air brush. Each has its own purpose, but most of the spraying is done with the touch up gun,and a lot of the final color is put on with the air brush. But he does spray--in the house--no booth, and my wife, who hates the smell, barely notices.