Varnish

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Tue Jun 25, 2013 20:20

Has anyone used something similiar to "Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Varnish" for sealing wood formers/bulkheads? I've decided I need to build all new formers on my Chief restoration. I know a two part epoxy varnish is usually recommended and that's what I always used before but wondering if the Minwax product might work, too.
Thanks,
Mike

kyleb · Post by **kyleb** » Tue Jun 25, 2013 20:42

MikeB wrote:Has anyone used something similiar to "Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Varnish" for sealing wood formers/bulkheads? I've decided I need to build all new formers on my Chief restoration. I know a two part epoxy varnish is usually recommended and that's what I always used before but wondering if the Minwax product might work, too.
Thanks,
Mike

Mike, the problem with solvent based varnishes is that the solvents in many covering systems will ruin the varnish, eliminating its protective properties. If I was trying to save a few bucks or reduce the hassle of the epoxy, I'd use the solvent based varnish on everything, but apply a top coat of epoxy varnish anywhere the fabric is likely to touch...

My $0.02....

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Tue Jun 25, 2013 21:18

Kyle,
Kind of what I thought. I used a Superflite 'varnish' before. I think it was water based but it was approved for their system. I was 'weighing' $15 vs $75 (plus shipping). Guess the Minwax would work for everything except the stringers and wood window frames.
Thanks,
Mike

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Tue Jun 25, 2013 22:42

Mike,
I've had good luck with West Systems 105/207 epoxy. It can be used for sealing and can be epoxied to the formers with little prep work. It doesn't have the amine blush that most epoxy has, once cured. It's about the same viscosity as spar varnish.
Paul

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Wed Jun 26, 2013 09:08

Thanks for the head up Paul. Where do you buy it from?
Mike

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Thu Jun 27, 2013 20:41

Well, on to the next problem (restoration is one problem after another to solve). Anyway, it appears I have several pinholes in the main tank fuel sump. One of the former owners have tried to fix it by putting some kind of epoxy 'goop' over the leaks but it eventually it started seeping again....not a lot but a leak never the less. I stripped the old epoxy off today and I can see day light through the pin holes. Guess there are a couple of options: weld in a new sump (best) or try some kind of a external tank sealer

. Open to suggestions..... Also, some rust spots in the tank so I assume the cause was a lot of 'sit time' and moisture collected.
Thanks, Mike

dikholder · Post by **dikholder** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 06:40

A good fix for that in an old car would be a product called POR-15. Dont think its aviation approved though.

Dik
Queen of the Berry Patch N1441H

clipperfixer · Post by **clipperfixer** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 08:20

I would skip the sealers and weld in a new sump. I would have it done by someone that knew what they were doing though! I will never use a sealer inside a tank. Everyone of those jobs I have seen the sealer breaks loose and is floating around in the tank.

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 08:41

I never thought the 'sloshing compounds' were a great idea for the reasons you mentioned. If the tank wasn't so difficult to remove (boot cowl, windshield, etc.) I'd be tempted to try one of the external sealers. I used one on my 71 Monte Carlo when my wife ran a piece of rod through the tank. Worked as long as I owned the car. Think I'm going to check with Wag Aero and see if they can manufacture and weld in a new sump. Those tanks are pretty thin.

Mike

National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

Varnish

Varnish

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Tank Leaks

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