Canopy tinting

On Monday, April 20, 2020 at 10:50:12 AM UTC-4, Tim Taylor wrote:
Even the lighter grey and blue tints are too dark and can cause significant heat build up. I tried some at Hobbs a few years ago because my canopy is clear. Took it off right away. If you search the Soaring Archives, I believe Guy Byars wrote and article 20 years or so ago about using an orange tint to help block UV and heat.

Indeed I did write such an article. I had hoped it had been forgotten.

Applying adhesive films to a Plexiglas canopy is a bad idea. It will ruin the canopy. The films won't stretch enough for the required contours. I got around this by taping strips of a special UV film to the canopy. It worked OK for experimentation, but once that was done I removed it. No matter how carefully you apply them, they will ALWAYS wrinkle and produce distorted reflections. Also dirt and bugs will find a way to get in-between them forcing a reapplication.

I did further experiments by putting films on flat pieces of Plexiglas, like for sun shade panels in power planes. They went on great, and looked great for a few days, then they always developed bubbles and blisters. That was due to the Plexiglas being slightly porous and also venting gas over time.

The spray on products will also ruin your canopy. The products I tested were made for glass and immediately rendered my test Plexiglas samples completely opaque.

You have to ask the bigger question about exactly "WHY" you want to do this.. What problem are you looking to solve? Temperature? UV exposure? I have found the best solution for both these issues is to leave the canopy alone and wear protective clothing. Long sleeves, gloves, hats with face covers... etc.

Guy Byars