Originally Posted by
iterk
Bill, Sorry for the slow reply. 1) Bahama Blue is a stock color in many paints including the various butyrate dopes (i.e. Randolph) as well as in the Stits/PolyTone product. The fact that lacquer thinner dissolved the finish still only shows that the product IS rejuvenateable and that it is most likely either Stits/PolyFibre or 'Dope' ala Ceconite. 2) take a look at the inside of the fabric (through an inspection hole or in the fuselage). If it has a strong pink tint that is the ferrous oxide tint that Ray (Stits) added in later years (post '79?) to help see the build up. (They still will sell clear Poly Brush if you ask. We use it on restorations where the interior would show and the pink would be out of place). IF the inside of the fabric shows a yellow, blue or greenish tint then the process is one of the nitrate/butyrate (Ceconite type) finishes.) That color comes from one of the (copper/copper sulfate?) based anti fungal additives left over from the days of cotton/linen. Depending on which finish you have you might rejuvenate with that product's rejuvenator. In the '70's Ray Stits sent us dealers a memo that said that it was a sound and acceptable procedure to rejuvinate EITHER process with the Stits/Poly rejuvenator (RJ1200) followed by a couple coats of silver Poly Spray and Poly Tone or Aerothane finish. DO NOT GOT THE OTHER WAY (Butyrate rejuvenator over Stits). The processes will only work with Stits OVER dopes. I have had to argue this old process with the FAA since the current owners of the process do not have ALL the old files and the old Service Letter was never "FAA approved" ( they didn't require such an approval back then as long as the letter was from the manufacturer.....I've been around with this...) BUT.. You have an Amature built aircraft and can go this route. It means repainting the whole airplane. IF you just want to spot refinish areas use the rejuvenator for the base, i.e. Butysolve J3000 over butyrate finish or the PolyFibre RJ1200 if it really is Stits. Take a look at the 'correct' procedure manual (on line..) for whatever you figure out is your base an FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS B-))!!It is my guess, given the nature of what you described, that you have an old Nitrate/butyrate (Ceconite type) finish. Stits WILL crack if it's too thick or if the builder took shortcuts and used lacquer thinner instead of Stits reducer to save a buck... but use the inside color to try to tell. You are welcome to call me (904 403-3360) and feel free to take a look at my 'pedigree'... I know enough to know I don't know it all...but I've been at this a while B-)). Terk