fabric care

G

garynannini

New member
Hi folks,
I'm new to the club...picking up a Decathlon next month in LA and flying it back to Tennessee...with a CFI of course...I'm a Cessna guy transitioning to a tailwheel. About cleaning...is fabric the same as far as products to clean and wax? I've been reading about Arrow Magnolia Carbon X for soap, and RejeX for wax...any thoughts?
Thanks,
Gary
 
Hi Gary, congrats on your new aircraft, I sure you'll really like it :D . On my plane I use fantastic or 409 to clean, then go over it with product called Protect All now have used other auto waxs, with very good results.
http://www.protectall.com/
After I've cleaned the aircraft and used Protect All every couple of months just go over it with the Protect All it cleans and wax's as you go very easy to use and really helps for bug removal on the prop cowl and wing leading edges, I also use it on the windshield and side windows.
 
Congrats on the new bird!

For 35 years or so all I've used on fabric covered airplanes is Pledge...the furniture polish. It is especially good for getting bugs off leading edges and cowling. When you get back from a flight, spray along the leading edge, then go back thru with a microfiber cloth and clean em off. The 'left-over' film from the last time seem to make them easier to remove. It will also clean windshield and windows (standard caveat...make sure no major dust on the w/s before cleaning with any product). 3 cans for 7 bucks or so at Sam's Club.

Where there are exhaust stains, etc..A/C Simple Green seems to work as well as anything I've found.

It's probably important to note that I never leave an airplane outside, except for trips. Your mileage may vary! :)

Jim
 
Thanks for the cleaning tips. I'm sure I'll be on here quite a lot asking questions! Looking forward to learning to fly all over again!
Gary
 
Gary,
Amongst my Citabria's paperwork is a document from ACA that refers to the proper way to take care of the finish. It states that one should avoid waxes with silicone. You could also call the factory (they're very helpful and friendly) to confirm this.
Byron
 
The reason for avoiding silicones is that they make painting or repainting very difficult. Funny story... I used Rejex once, then recovered my wings about a year later. I didn't recover the ailerons at the same time. When I tried to paint the ailerons, the PolyFiber paint beaded up and ran off. PolyFiber makes a product to remove silicones. It takes a lot of elbow grease. If I'd known how much effort it was going to take, I'd have recovered the ailerons at the same time. It's been long enough that I can laugh about it :) -Alex
 
I have used Rejex, and was not impressed. I have been using Wash Wax All now for 2 years and like it very much.
Bill Becker
 
My favorite is 3M Adhesive Remover. I get it at Super Wal-Mart. Napa Auto Parts has it too. I've heard that many pilots have good luck using WD40.
 
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