Poly Fiber - AeroThane vs PolyTone

E

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During the recovering process once we get to the top coat. Some suggest that by using PolyTone (semi gloss) subsequent repairs are easier compared to Aerothane (Glossy). The aircraft was previously painted with PolyTone.

Any thought's on which finish is preferred by most?

Thanks!
 
I've done several recovers and repairs. Aerothane looks really good, but repairs are a bit more work, especially if you're trying to blend the repair to make it less noticeable. My preference is poly tone, for its ease in repairs and how easy it is to shoot. but then again I live in Alaska where there is easily 4 times the gravel/ dirt strips then the pavement..... which also has rocks on it!

I had a scout with aerothane, and it was hard to blend it well. had 3 other planes in polytone, and its been much easier. and Ive had some real serious repairs on some of these planes.

But, at the end of the day.... what are you using the plane for? I bushwhack my stuff, but if I had a super D for just playing acro and airshows, Aerothane will get attention!
 
Pragmatic approach.

That's why we chose white as the base colour, which it is now. Then apply a wave stripe down the side of the fuselage to break it up. Perhaps in 3M vinyl.

One of my concerns is that we don't have a proper spray booth and there will be dust on top of the AeroThane. Not a lot but it will be there. By using PolyTone it would still be there but less noticeable. Does that make sense?

The Tail Feathers are in good shape but have AeroThane striping. By sanding and overlaying with a couple coats White PolyTone. Will it cover bold colours and perhaps more importantly. Will the previous stripes, noticeably transpose thru?

Thank you!
 
For me, the big difference is toxicity. The PolyTone is of course toxic, but the catalyzed urethanes are way more so. Spray PolyTone in the driveway - spray Aerothane in a booth with exhaust fans, external air for your nose, and goggles.
 
Have had both and shot both, aerothane is harder to shoot and a pain to patch. But it looks like the day I shot it. Poly tone colors faded real bad for me (red). I also bushwhack mine a bunch, patch’s definitely take more time and are hard to blend. But I prefer the uv resistance the aerothane offers. All depends on your tolerance to screwing around
 
If you use PolyTone on the Fabric is it recommended to use AeroThane on the Boot Cowl, Engine Cowls and Wing Struts. Some suggest PolyTone doesn't like metal?

Thanks!
 
Dp 40 when shooting aerothane, no need to wait to cure or scuff. Shoot, clean gun, top coat all same time.
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