NON DOPE SYSTEMS

 

Air-Tech™ Coatings

Air-Tech™ Coating is a solvent based, non-automotive polyurethane fabric covering system.  Both the primer/sealer and topcoats have been formulated out of flexible based polyurethane just for aircraft use.  This means that unlike automotive paint, there is no Flex additive that needs to be added when mixing the primer or paint before spraying.  Air-Tech™ does not have their own fabric so any FAA-PMA’d fabric can be used with their STC.  Ceconite™, Polyfiber™, or Superflight™ fabric can be used.  The fabric is installed with their UA55 urethane adhesive that is thinned down with their RA4000 adhesive reducer.  Note: Do not use acetone or MEK to thin the UA55 fabric adhesive as the RA4000 has a flex additive to keep the urethane glue from cracking. Once the fabric is glued down it is heat shrunk to 350 degrees.  Attachment to the ribs is by the normal methods. The finishing tapes are applied with thinned UA55 adhesive.

The fabric is seal and filled with Air-Tech™’s catalyzed Polyurethane Primer/Filler/UV Barrier PFU 1030.  Three cross coats are sprayed on then sanded.  At least 1 cross coat of PFU 1030 is needed for UV protection. Top coat color is accomplished with their catalyzed Polyurethane CHSM high solids color paint.  Again, no flex additive is added to the paint when mixing for spraying. The flex is part of the paint.  The top coat can be used on  fabric, metal or fiberglass.

 To repair the Air-Tech™ system, the patch may be glued with UA55 directly to the painted surface after scuffing the surface with Scotch Brite™ or sand paper. Once the patch is in place it is primed and painted. On repaired areas the polyurethane paint will not blend in to previously painted areas like dope will.  There is a way to hide the repair and the paint edge which will be the subject of another article.

 The Air-Tech™ system has a fire retardant in it so the finished product will not support combustion. However, when it is being applied it is flammable. The Air-Tech™ manual is a basic manual that assumes you have covering experience.  If you do not, other information will be needed.

  As with all solvent based polyurethane paint, you need to wear a fresh air breathing system when spraying. A charcoal filter will not suffice.   

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