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-   -   Fillers (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=157027)

Av8torTom 01-18-2018 08:20 PM

Fillers
 
I have a couple of small dents in my project that are driving me nuts to look at and I?m looking for recommendations on fillers. While I intend to paint, something close to aluminum color would be preferable.

Thanks

Taltruda 01-18-2018 10:07 PM

I'm no expert, but I'm thinking epoxy and micro?

Av8torTom 01-19-2018 06:13 AM

Flexible
 
I'm afraid epoxy and micro would not be flexible enough.

Anyone have experience with SuperFil?


Wingnut 01-19-2018 06:15 AM

I haven?t yet tried it
 
But SuperFil was recommended to me by previous RV builders. They used it in their planes (now flying).

Nova RV 01-19-2018 06:16 AM

Superfil is basically pre mixed epoxy and micro balloons. Great stuff but not flexible as it cures very hard.

longranger 01-19-2018 06:21 AM

Another approach to the problem...
 
I just notice a couple of small dings on the top surface of my right wing. I considering these or something similar as at least a temporary fix...

DanH 01-19-2018 07:12 AM

The fundamental choice is epoxy resin base or polyester resin base. Given a suitably prepared surface (freshly sanded and cleaned), either will stick to aluminum. The epoxy out-sticks the polyester. Either is flexible enough, if not applied too thick.

The solids added to the resin base can be microballoons (glass or phenolic, i.e white or reddish brown), talc, ground plastic, wood flour, and/or a whole bunch of other stuff. Pre-mixed products generally claim some special recipe (such is commerce), but consulting the MSDS will offer a clue as to what is really in them.

Microballoons and talc are the most common. Micro (hollow spheres) adds bulk with little weight. Talc is heavier for a given volume, but sands smoother.

I tell you all this because a builder can easily mix whatever he likes.

Av8torTom 01-19-2018 08:11 AM

Funny
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by longranger (Post 1233341)
I just notice a couple of small dings on the top surface of my right wing. I considering these or something similar as at least a temporary fix...

Thanks for the chuckle Miles.

Thanks everyone for your inputs.
Yes, I know very well the properties of thickened epoxy mixtures, and I could easily mix-up something of my own (I don't think I'd consider the saw dust approach however :D). I was hoping there was something out there I didn't know about that might be a bit more flexible. Maybe it's just not an issue.

Bavafa 01-19-2018 09:01 AM

How about just metal glaze, something like this Evercoat 425 Metal Glaze ultera,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They sand easy and smooth with little pinholes and paint will adhere to it very well.

jsharkey 01-19-2018 09:42 AM

How big are the dents?
 
It amazing how minor defects disappear as the build gets bigger. If the dents are small I'd leave them alone. Filler adds weight, attracts the eye and will eventually crack and flake off.

I struggle to find the dings that bugged me during the build and no one else even notices them. I'd leave the metal alone unless it's really bad.

I did pin-hole fill the fiberglass before paint.

Just my 2 cents.

Jim Sharkey


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