How can I dope linen?

TeamStewart · 12 October 2008, 08:30 AM

Hi,

I have a wee project in mind involving doped linen, for static display, not flying.

I know where to procure the linen, but how can I dope it?

Is dope readily available, or can it be made up?

Is there a modern technique that would simulate the look of it.

TIA

Machinbird · 12 October 2008, 03:42 PM

Rob,
If you want the fabric to be taut after you coat it, you should use either clear nitrate or butyrate dope which is available from any number of aircraft supply houses including those that advertise online. The dope will cause the weave to shrink and thus tighten the fabric. Butyrate dope is less of a fire hazard than nitrate dope after it dries.
Sid

Jeff Brooks · 12 October 2008, 03:56 PM

try using water first ... then the hair dryer. then use dope.

greatwarpilot · 12 October 2008, 05:30 PM

Also - keep in mind that both nitrate and butyrate dope come in tautening and non-tautening form. You'll want the former, and be prepared for it to take a number of coats to achieve the desired results.

When I was at Old Warden this past June speaking with their restoration folks I was advised (and shown - on their Bleriot that was under rebuild) that after the first coat or two the fabric will actually be looser than when originally applied. Only with subsequent coats will it tighten up.

Depending on how important or difficult to replace your final project is, it might be worthwhile to build a square frame and use it to practice doping linen until you've got the technique down. Its not rocket science, but it takes practice.

Cheers,

TeamStewart · 13 October 2008, 07:39 AM

I had a look for the suggested dopes and I see that they are readily available.

Thanks for the help.

I like the wooden frame idea, for practice.

Good idea.

Thanks again.

womenfly2 · 13 October 2008, 01:25 PM

Randolph's Dope

Working with Irish linen

Cheers,
WF2

hank jarrett · 13 October 2008, 05:35 PM

I learned to cover with dope (Nitrate followed by Butyrate) over Irish linen and Grade A cotton. Once you get the hang of it you will absolutely LOVE it! I use the synthetics now only because really good Grade A is almost impossible to get (I keep my planes hangared, so degradation from the sun really isn't a problem). I can still patch a tear or hole in cotton so well even I can't fine the repair. The synthetics always show and of you use "Poly U" you will see a repair from MILES away.
Enjoy it, if you want a good practice panel, make up some WW-I rudder shape frames and knock yourself out. They look GREAT hanging on a wall and any mistakes make them look "original".
Hank