PPF Flap Tape

[N184DA]

Well, for the second time in my RV4's lifespan (13 years young!), I have faced the very "not-so-much-fun" task of removing the UHMW tape from the leading edge of the flaps.

This time around, the removal process was even more difficult than from what I remember the last time, in fact I wasn't even able to get a handle, (figuratively and literally), on that crusted, yellow, cracked upper layer to peel off.

Thank the RV-Gods for this list as I discovered the miracle of the Eraser Wheel!.. Holy Cow!! What a life/time save! Although messy, it did the trick and since I was thoroughly disgusted with the process up to that point, and was somewhat desperate, I didn't even mind paying the premium price of $46 at the local Napa Auto Parts store,, in fact, I would have happily paid double, knowing what I know now.

So,
Given the traditional definition of insanity: repeating a process expecting a different result,, I am reluctant to plan a third go-around with the UHMW tape. I do not wish to go for the "under wing skin" method, nor do I wish to mess with the SS tape. Which leads me to my point: PPF tape.

I have ordered the 4" roll of the PPF tape, and read the install instructions posted on the site. I was wondering if anyone had anything else to add, before I attempt an install. Seems pretty straight forward, sans for one small detail:

How to trim the tape to the required 3",,
Before installation,,?? Or after,,??

I was thinking I could install the 4" tape and gently remove the excess by way of a straight edge & a razor blade ( after completely drying of course), along the upper/forward edge,,
Sound reasonable?

Anyway, thanks in advance,
And I apologize for my long-winded question. I just felt that my experience with my new best friend: the Eraser Wheel, was well worth sharing.

[Flyguytki]

This is the first thing that came to mind from back in the RC days.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXPW72&P=0

-david

[N184DA]

Originally Posted by Flyguytki

This is the first thing that came to mind from back in the RC days.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXPW72&P=0

-david

That's pretty cool!

[longranger]

Originally Posted by N184DA

... I do not wish to go for the "under wing skin" method, ...

I'm curious as to the drawbacks of the "under wing skin" method.

[MarkW]

The top of the flap is the visible part and if you put the tape there, when you get dirt in the joint it scratches the tape. If you put the tape under the wing it scratches the flap and that is the part you see. I don't care if it scratches the under wing.
What tape is everybody using since UHMW is old news?

[vfrazier]

4" Paint Protection film

The easiest way to install it on a flap is to place a long piece of masking tape on the flap (for alignment) slightly aft of the wing skin/flap intersection while the flaps are fully up. The masking tape placement is to allow the PPF to overlap the intersection slightly when you get the PPF installed.

Then lower the flap by disconnecting the pushrod so that the entire nose is exposed.

The only drawback to installing the PPFtape is that fingerprints will show in the adhesive... so keep your fingers off of the sticky stuff. Alternately, you can install it wet with an isopropyl alcohol solution... but that's kind of a pain in itself.

So, get a helper with an extra set of hands and get ready to place the PPF tape on the flap.

Carefully peel the backing off of the PPF tape. Each guy will hold an end of the PPF and slowly move it into position while keeping your fingers off of any place where a fingerprint would look bad. In other words, hold only the very ends of the PPF, or the forward edge that overhangs the front of the flap.

If the PPF tape sticks prematurely, simply "snap" if back up and try again. It shouldn't stick tightly until you press it in place.

With the tape now very lightly positioned on the flap, begin carefully smoothing the air out from under the PPF tape. Work slowly from the center aft edge, working outwards and forwards, smoothing out the air as you go.

Don't worry about small air bubbles. Sun and heat will dissipate them and they will disappear completely soon enough. Large bubble can be poked with a pin and deflated, but don't worry about any but the largest!

Trim the excess from the leading edge of the flap skin and use elsewhere if you like. If you don't get fingerprints or dirt on it, you can use it around canopy tails, under fairings, or anywhere that paint gets rubbed. (Not on the prop though.)

The PPF tape may get a bit of dirt or aluminum residue on it during use... as you'd expect because it's protecting the paint. Simply clean it off as required.

The PPF should last for many years without yellowing. Up to 10 years on my plane already. And it is easily removed, much easier than the UHMW tape, if you need to remove it.

Hope this helps.

[N184DA]

Originally Posted by vfrazier

4" Paint Protection film


The only drawback to installing the PPFtape is that fingerprints will show in the adhesive... so keep your fingers off of the sticky stuff. Alternately, you can install it wet with an isopropyl alcohol solution... but that's kind of a pain in itself.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the tip(s).
I'm curious, I was all set to apply using the alcohol mixture, as posted on your website,, so are you suggesting otherwise?

[vfrazier]

Derrick,

Either way is fine. If you've got a set of helping hands and aren't too clumsy, the dry method works fine. The wet method is suitable if you're worried about getting a fingerprint under the tape, or need to slide the PPF around a bit during installation.

Good luck!

[tommylewis]

I hope you are using the 3M tape from this link or other sources.

http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/sto...roducts_id=256

It works very well. I used the wet method of installation with alcohol and it was painless.

[ccsmith51]

Is the 3M tape clear, or does it come in white, too?