Kitfox IV Classic 1200 Elevator Fabric Covering

[klamberth27]

I purchased a Kitfox IV 97 Kit from a prior builder. The only fabric covering that was completed was the elevator. I'm new to fabric but it appears to be Stewarts but i'm not sure. I need some help identifying it. If I decide to go with Poly-Fiber will this fabric need to be removed or should I finish with Stewarts or can you continue with Poly-Fiber? I've seen some old posts where people state that Poly-Fiber is better but Stewarts is less toxic and easier to work with. Some of these posts were older. Just looking for thoughts on what the rest of you would do.



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[jiott]

I personally would not mix two systems on my airplane. If you want to go with Stewarts on the whole project and you are satisfied with his covering job, then go ahead. If you choose to go Polyfiber on the rest of the project, then remove the elevator covering and start over; that one item is not going to set you back much timewise. Polyfiber vs. Stewarts, do your research and make your own choice. I chose Polyfiber for its long history on certified airplanes and no downside except its noxious fumes.

[PapuaPilot]

Yes, that is Stewarts system.

If you are 100% happy with the quality of the covering and don't have any reason to remove it you could continue the elevator with PolyFiber (Poly-brush, Poly-spray & color coats). I called Stewarts to ask the same question and was told it would be okay to switch systems. I didn't end up doing this myself though.

[CoClimber]

I used Stewarts on my build. I found it quite easy and forgiving. The tail was covered inside my house. I love that I don't need a mask to work on this. I have no other experience to compare this to so this isn't the greatest reference.

[Bill U]

I now have a Kitfox IV. Before that I recovered my Skybolt with the Stewarts system. I much prefer it because of the chemicals. I covered the tail surfaces in my office with no smell at all. The fabric of both systems are the same. It's the chemicals involved that are the difference. Stewart is much more forgiving and a shorter time to get to the final paint.

Bill U.

[klamberth27]

Thank Jim!

[klamberth27]

Yes, that is Stewarts system.

If you are 100% happy with the quality of the covering and don't have any reason to remove it you could continue the elevator with PolyFiber (Poly-brush, Poly-spray & color coats). I called Stewarts to ask the same question and was told it would be okay to switch systems. I didn't end up doing this myself though.
Awesome! Thanks Phil!

[klamberth27]

Awesome! Thanks Phil!

[klamberth27]

I used Stewarts on my build. I found it quite easy and forgiving. The tail was covered inside my house. I love that I don't need a mask to work on this. I have no other experience to compare this to so this isn't the greatest reference.

I like the sound of that! Being able to do it in the Air conditioning would be nice! Any issues painting?

[klamberth27]

I now have a Kitfox IV. Before that I recovered my Skybolt with the Stewarts system. I much prefer it because of the chemicals. I covered the tail surfaces in my office with no smell at all. The fabric of both systems are the same. It's the chemicals involved that are the difference. Stewart is much more forgiving and a shorter time to get to the final paint.

Bill U.
Thanks again for the responses. I was wondering if there were fabric differences between the two systems! Good to know!

[CoClimber]

To be honest, I didn't really use the Stewart system. I used the 3M glue that is reported to be the same glue they used. In addition, I used house paint and Gripper primer. There is a fair bit of information out there for doing this. It is way cheaper, non-toxic, and you can have any color you can dream of. If you want it perfectly shiny and beautiful you will have to spend a lot of time sanding and buffing - something I plan to do over the winter. My first priority is to get it Flying and from 20' away it looks fine.

[klamberth27]

Very cool. So what is used to fill the fabric?

[CoClimber]

The Gripper primer encases the fabric to give you a strong mechanical bond. The first two coats are painted on to force the primer through the weave. I do four more coats with a spray gun, lightly sanding in between. It goes pretty fast.

[klamberth27]

Very cool! Thanks for the info!

[Bill U]

In some of these I didn't see any UV protectant material. The Stewart system has a UV blocker - gray material that is both a filler and UV blocker to protect the Dacron from sunlight. I strongly suggest using something that is known to block the UV.

Bill U.