Varnish Fuel Proof?

rdw777 Thu Apr 15, 2021 1:00 pm

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I’ve been looking at options for non dope finishes and have found a few references to varnish being fuel proof?.....I have enough Sig Lite coat for about one more project but would like to explore other possibilities..... My favorite is doped solid surfaces with tissue trim.... Two or three coats of dope, Then the trim set with thinner, Then a few more coats of dope to seal...

If I were to try this with varnish/mineral spirits.... Could it be same procedure and be nitro proof? I have Helmsman Spar Varnish already for wood working projects.... I can experiment as well..... Or other varnishes better for fuel proofing?

Photos of a little glider I made a few months ago with Lite Coat/Tissue trim.... Would be nice if I could do this with Varnish for nitro power

balogh Thu Apr 15, 2021 2:29 pm

I use polyurethane based spray to fuel proof my balsa planes.

NEW222 Thu Apr 15, 2021 3:12 pm

Ok. The Helmsman Spar Varnish you have should be fuel proof if it is oil based. But not 100% sure as I have not used that particular one. I have however used Minwax Polyurethane varnish (brush on from a can) on many things with great results. Keep in mind the one I use is oil based, NOT water based. As well, to note, the Minwax will slightly darken/yellow the colors shortly after. But the funny thing is that the same oil based product in an areosol can has not yellowed anywhere near as bad. Only a very, very slight tinge, and I mean slight. But if used on darker colors, you will not notice either. But if you are using to apply tissue and as a basecoat, you will be fine with it as you will cover it with another product. The two models below have been sprayed with teh aerosol Minwax Polyurethane oil based product. Just so you can see how it is on white and 'naked' wood after sitting a while.

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Varnish Fuel Proof?

Varnish Fuel Proof?

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