Stewart Covering System

[supercub43]

I've done a search on here and have read some old postings concerning Stewarts, but I'm hoping to hear from current users. Anything pro or con you'd like to share. I'm building a Kitfox SS7 and not sure which covering process I'm going to use. I like the non toxic Stewart system but have never used it. Again, looking for any info. Thanks
Brian

[Tralika]

I used the Stewart's System on my Highlander. I built and painted the plane in my garage which is attached to my house. I couldn't use any of the solvent based products because even with a good ventilation system there is no way to keep the smell out of the house. You will still need a ventilation system and use a respirator when spraying but there is almost no smell. The glue is the best, very easy to use and very forgiving. I used a four stage turbine sprayer which Stewart's says can work but they do not recommend it. I had trouble getting the paint to flow out smoothly and had to do a lot of trial settings and practice. Since this is the first time I've painted anything with spray equipment I don't know if it would have made any difference what type of paint I used. It still would have been a steep learning curve.

I ended up with a paint job that I look at and can see all the mistakes but everyone else seems to think it looks great. If you use Stewart's follow their recommendations on setting up the compressor and spray equipment. Buy the Stewart's DVD's and watch them closely. Keep in mind that they have re-formulated the paint since the videos were made so it is not mixed or applied exactly the same way. You still want to watch the videos because the basic process is the same and they offer lots of good info and tips. The paint is mixed by weight now which is very easy to do but you will need a digital scale and take your time. The good news is the paint now has a much longer pot life, up to 3 hours, up from 45 minutes.

Follow the written instructions that come with the paint and don't be afraid to ask questions on the Stewart's forum or call them directly. They were very helpful to me. You can look at my build log for details on my covering and painting process. I just had my inspection and received my Airworthiness Certificate yesterday!
John Nealon
mykitlog.com/jnealon

[cub builder]

I have covered several planes using nitrate/butyrate dopes, Polyfibre, and have supervised two recovers with Stewarts. All end up with equally fine finishes. If I recover a plane again, it will be with Stewarts. As previously stated, follow the Stewart directions to the letter and it will work out just fine. If going onto an experimental, I would consider deviating only in the finish coat for a less expensive and easier to work with Polyurethane or maybe even an Acrylic Urethane. But up to the finish coat, I would follow to the letter. If going onto a certificated aircraft, I would follow to the letter through the finish, as required by the STC.

[Jeff Point]

I covered and painted my Breezy with Stewarts. Highly recommended. They had some issues early on but seem to have worked through them. Longevity is still an unknown but with 42 hours on the plane, so far so good.

No need to buy the DVDs as Stewart's has put the videos up on YouTube for free. You can learn a lot about their system from those at no cost.

[Jim Heffelfinger]

Here are 2 planes in Stewarts from my chapter. The S-18 has 1100+ hours on it. The -8 is still in the final assy stage but the paint is excellent. a "2 foot" paint job.

[1600vw]

I have a CD set that came from Steward systems. These CD's explain all that is needed to cover an airplane. They cover or show how to cover every piece of an airplane in the cd set. If I can find a link to this cd set I will post it. Maybe others here have more info on this. This was given to me by an eaa member.

Tony