A question I often get is how can I cover a Ray Stits (origional founder of Stits/Polyfiber) with the Stewart Systems products. Frankly, it started out as a difficult decision as I was initially concerned about going with a somewhat less tested newer system versus a tried and true Polyfiber process. What attrated me to Stewart Systems was the promise of safer chemicals. When researching urethane processes I read about the dangers of isocyanides in the solvents. Stewart Systems side steps the process by replacing the role of solvents with water which makes them much less reactive with skin and reduces the vapors. I was going to have to spend about $500 for a good forced air respirator just to get started. Now I'm able to get by with a standard charcol variety.
Still concerned about a new process, I decided to enroll in one of the seminars to learn the process and also get the opportunity to talk with others who have used the system. I must say it was a great experience that I'd highly recommend to anyone thinking about doing their on re-cover of a tube/rag airplane. The class was hosted by Aircraft Finishing Systems. A retailer owned by Marvin Haught and taught by Jason Gerard a Stewart representative. Marvin was very accommodating and even put me up for the night in a finished portion in the hanger. Jason proved to be an excellent teacher as my sample panel turned out beautifully and I left with the confidence needed to do the rest of the project.
Sufficed to say, I'm sold on the products. (no I don't sell them myself). The glue and the UV barrier can be cleaned up with water and I find myself doing much of the work in the house for the luxury of heating and air conditioning.
I work on one panel at a time and clean up nightly or at least when I get the better clean that up stare from the wife. There are no noxious fumes until you get to spraying the top coats of EkoFill and urethane which then only takes a standard charcoal respirator.
