Ceconite v. Poly Fiber - Is one better than another??

The fabric is esentially the same polyester on all systems today although
the Polyfiber STC requires "Polyfiber" fabric regardless of the fact it is
not any different than Ceconite.

The choice you need to make is the use of traditional dope, polyfiber's
vinyl system, a combination of PF's vinyl with urethane topcoat or an all
urethane system.

I have just finished covering my Maule with Air-Tech's all urethane system.
You can find them on the web. http://www.airtechcoatings.com/index.html
This system uses "Ceconite" fabric. It is glued on with adhesive that is
the same as PF's basically. Then a urethane two component primer filler is
applied to the fabric. Just a couple coats. After that the urethane high
gloss topcoat. Some people don't like the high gloss on a Champ as the
original dope was not so glossy like a new Mercedes. I found the Air Tech
system easy to use and despite the claims of Polyfiber it is not difficult
to repair. No aluminum coat. The UV protection is built in chemically.

If you want a "traditional" finish the easiest to use is Polyfibers vinyl
system. It gives a similar finish to dope, easy to repair but lacks much
chemical resistance. Easy to spray and not as toxic as Urethane. With
urethane you need a separate air supply and "space suit". No mask will work.

Both Polyfiber and Air-Tech will be lighter in weight than the old systems.
I have found the Air-Tech materials easy to spray with my HVLP unit. Have
heard some comments about the Polyfiber urethane top coats being more
difficult but probably just takes getting used to it.

Just to give equal time Randolph makes systems too.

Regardless of what system you use Polyfiber has the best manual and a good
DVD on covering that can apply to other systems.

Good luck. it will take more effort than you think.

Tom



"DPB" wrote in message
...
Hello to the group.

I'm probably going to be acquiring a '46 Champ project in the near future
and I've never done a recover before. I've been reading a little about
Ceconite and Poly Fiber - For you old heads at this - Is one better than
another? Are there plusses & minuses that I should know about before
picking
one over the other?

I see from promo stuff that Poly Fiber is supposed to be less weight,
which
is important as I want to keep the Champ below the max for the new light
sport aircraft regs.

Any thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Doug B
www.aircrafthomebuilder.com