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  #1  
Old 02-24-2014, 07:41 AM
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DonFromTX DonFromTX is offline
 
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Location: La Feria Texas
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Default Aircraft Wraps

I am seriously considering an "aircraft wrap" instead of a conventional paint job on my plane. Has anyone else had this done- if so how do you like it and how well does it hold up? Here is an outfit that does it.
http://www.aircraftwraps.com/
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  #2  
Old 02-24-2014, 10:58 AM
jchang10 jchang10 is offline
 
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I have been slowly adding vinyl on my 2 year old -10. It would be great to exchange some info with others. It is great to see others doing this as well.

I was initially only planning to cover the leading edge of the main wings. However, after seeing how good the vinyl looked, it made the rest of the plane look worse. Thus, i have now wrapped almost all of the horizontal surfaces so far. Most everyone at my local airport, who were at first skeptical, are just amazed at how good it looks. It even works well for things like abrasion resistance from fiberglass fairings or extra corrosion protection. Quite a few surprises with this.

I am now considering wrapping the tailcone and main fuselage. I am still considering different strategies and layouts, etc. I will probably stick with paint for fiberglass pieces, just because they are more easily painted off the plane anyway.

It is hard to make direct comparisons with painting. They both have their tradeoffs of pluses and minuses. The true test will come in 5 or 10 or dare say 15 years time when it starts to wear and fade more. Will it still peel off nicely leaving nice shiny metal underneath? I guess only time will tell.

Jae
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  #3  
Old 02-24-2014, 11:26 AM
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My only two concerns would be weight and corrosion. I've seen quite a few cases, including on my kit, where I left the blue plastic on until I was ready to work on an sub kit, only to find corrosion under the plastic, typically starting at the edges where moisture started wicking between the plastic and the aluminum. The general consensus now seems to be moving towards getting the blue plastic off the parts sooner rather than later...I would worry that corrosion would progress in a manner that couldn't be seen until very far along the destructive path.
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  #4  
Old 02-24-2014, 11:35 AM
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Not sure what you meant about weight being your concern. That is in fact one of the advantages of a wrap, it weighs less than paint.
Corrosion is a point well taken, but I would think that comparing it with the blue stuff is probably not valid, since our blue protective film is specifically applied with the intent of being removed soon.
I would never own a plane if I had to let it sit out in the weather, so fading and weathering is not a big concern of mine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jjconstant View Post
My only two concerns would be weight and corrosion. I've seen quite a few cases, including on my kit, where I left the blue plastic on until I was ready to work on an sub kit, only to find corrosion under the plastic, typically starting at the edges where moisture started wicking between the plastic and the aluminum. The general consensus now seems to be moving towards getting the blue plastic off the parts sooner rather than later...I would worry that corrosion would progress in a manner that couldn't be seen until very far along the destructive path.
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  #5  
Old 02-24-2014, 11:51 AM
YellowJacket RV9 YellowJacket RV9 is offline
 
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I'm also intrigued by the idea and concerned about corrosion, especially living on the gulf coast. I see that the company is also in Florida, so I am assuming they have considered this issue. Would love to hear from somebody with long term experience with this in a harsh environment.

Chris
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  #6  
Old 02-24-2014, 12:27 PM
TShort TShort is offline
 
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My skyhawk (1997 vintage) has white base paint with vinyl stickers / highlights. I'm assuming it is a similar process.

17 years and they look good as new. The paint, well, it's peeling and chipping in some places.

Someone (DanH I think?) mentioned concerns about seeing smoking rivets if the entire structure is covered ...
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  #7  
Old 02-24-2014, 12:49 PM
Dean Pichon Dean Pichon is offline
 
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Default I have had good luck so far...

I applied vinyl-based paint film on the coaming of my -4 cockpit. This initial paint took a beating after the 1st 5 years of flight. The film has been in place 8 years now and still looks new.

I used flouropolymer paint film on some interior parts. Those parts, too, still look good. In both cases, the films were applied over alodined and primed surfaces.

I have seen these films used on boats and planes and have been impressed with the durability. Seams are always visible, but not objectionable, in my opinion.

Regards,
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  #8  
Old 02-24-2014, 01:00 PM
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Low Pass Low Pass is offline
 
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Default Photos...

Those who have had their wraps in service a little while, and are doing progressive jobs, please post some pics. I'm very interested in this as a "repaint" option for my tired 14 yr old paint job. BTW, I've researched the materials and application process pretty deeply. I have very little concern about corrosion or other issues. Kind of like the old Monokote covered RC planes, you just have to put it on with edge wear and streamlined seams in mind.

Last edited by Low Pass : 02-24-2014 at 01:02 PM.
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  #9  
Old 02-24-2014, 01:35 PM
Rootski Rootski is offline
 
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My advice is to make sure you use cast vinyl instead instead of calendared. Calendared vinyl starts out kind of like a big wad that's pushed and spread to make the vinyl sheet, which results in a significantly higher tendency to shrink and warp as opposed to the cast stuff.
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  #10  
Old 02-24-2014, 03:05 PM
dweyant dweyant is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rootski View Post
My advice is to make sure you use cast vinyl instead instead of calendared. Calendared vinyl starts out kind of like a big wad that's pushed and spread to make the vinyl sheet, which results in a significantly higher tendency to shrink and warp as opposed to the cast stuff.
Is this company in Florida the only place doing this, or are there other options?

-Dan
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