Ok, in case I haven't said so before, I am covering the SuperSTOL with Silver Oratex 6000. Polyfiber came with my kit and I originally had planned to cover it with Polyfiber. I even took an EAA workshop class in how to apply Polyfiber. But as time went on I found Oratex and became enamored with it.
Many features standout to me: Lightweight (saves ~40lbs vs Polyfiber), non-flammable (Polyfiber - think Hindenburg), non toxic (I'm applying this in my kitchen - not gonna happen with Polyfiber), No painting required (Required with Polyfiber), UV protection built in (None with Polyfiber - requires paint), No messy chemicals (Definitely not so with Polyfiber), Speed (since Oratex doesn't require paint, once covered you're done), etc., etc. The main, and not so insignificant downside of Oratex is the cost. However, to me, the many positive features far outweigh the significant cost difference. Everyone has to make the cost benefit analysis and decide for themselves. The choice was easy for me.
Well, at least I've started the covering process by doing the smallest piece first, the trim tab. But it is a start nonetheless.
First I laid out the part on the fabric and drew the lines around all the parts of the structure that would get glue. Then I brushed on the glue and let it dry. Then the second coat. Then I coated the trim tab itself. The first pic shows the leading edge in the center of the fabric.. my original layout.
While all was drying, I got to thinking about how I was actually going to cover it. Initially, I intended to cover with one piece wrapped around the leading edge with the seams at the trailing edge. In thinking about this I realized the final edge would be on the bottom trailing edge facing into the air stream. I decided to reverse the layout and have the final edge, still on the bottom, but at the leading edge facing rearward, with the air stream. I don't think it really matters, but I'll have the additional security of the hinge being riveted on over the final seam. This pic shows the new orientation with the trailing edge in the center of the fabric.
So with reversing the layout, I had to apply more glue in different areas as shown in the pics. No big deal, none of this is visible anyway. The next pic shows the top attached and trimmed. The bottom all glued and ready to attach the top.
The final pic shows the bottom folded over onto the top, and the top edges trimmed ready to iron. As with all processes, there is always something that comes up. I needed to make up a batch of special cleaner to clean the fabric BEFORE I apply any glue to it. So, I have to wait until the cleaner percolates for 12 hours before I can use it. It's made up and will be ready for use tomorrow morning. I will use it to clean the edges of fabric that will fold over from the top to the bottom. Once cleaned I can apply the glue to the fabric, let it dry and then finish up attaching the top to the bottom.
After it is all attached, I will do a preliminary shrink on the fabric with the heat gun. Then I need to let it cure for 24hrs before I can do the final shrink. After the final shrink I can put the finishing tapes over the seam. Then the part will be done.
