Quickie Q2 Lite Construction Manual - page 67
TOOLS AND MATERIALS
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The tools and materials used in finishing the composite
airplane are simple and straight forward. A low density
microsphere/epoxy mixture (dry micro) is used for coarse filling
requirements. Automotive type polyester body fillers (Bondo) are very
heavy and not recommended as a primary aircraft finishing material.
Medium to light surface filling (less than .030") is done with a
light weight polyester spray (or brush) filler/primer called Feather-
Fill. Feather-Fill is noteworthy for its ability to fill medium
thicknesses in a single spray or brush coat and for its easy sanding
to a smooth surface. Dupont 70S dark gray 1aquer primer/surfacer
provides an effective ultra violet radiation barrier with its 15%
carbon-black content as well as an excellent finish sanding surface
in preparation for the finish paint. The actual finish paint type is
largely a matter of the builder's personal preference. Automotive
finishes in laquer, enamel, acrylic 1aquers, acrylic enamels, and the
polyurethanes are all acceptable. We find the acrylic 1aquer is easy
to work with, easily patched, and readily polished to a high gloss.
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The enamels and acrylic enamels are low cost and easy to apply;
however, they are not readily repairable if chipped. The polyurethane
finishes offer the best gloss for the longest life, but they are high
cost and virtually impossible to repair. There is a polyester paint,
known as Prestek, commonly used in sailplane circles to achieve a
glass-smooth finish, but it is heavy, requires a tremendous amount of
work to get a high gloss finish, and chips easily (brittle).
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Sanding will occupy a large percentage of the time spent
finishing the composite aircraft. Sandpaper in 36 to 60-grit, 100-
grit, 220-grit, and 320-grit roughness will be used. Standard 9"xll"
sheets are the most versiti1e. Use a good quality aluminum oxide, or
silicon carbide sandpaper. Don't waste your money on the cheap flint-
type sandpapers. Power sanders are not recommended; it is too easy to
damage the structure while using them. Hard (wood) and soft (foam)
sanding blocks and the sanding spline shown will be your primary
finishing tools. A paint spraying setup will be desirable for feather
fill, U.V. barrier primer and finish painting. Some hand brushing of
feather fill and U.V. primer can also be done.
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