Hi All
I'm an old silk and dope user. I use Randolph's Nitrate Tautening dope for the first 6 to 8 coats. I then switch to the Randolph's Butyrate dope for the colors. Depending on weather I want a flat finish or a super high gloss finish, I will use Randolph's flattening agent for flat or something in between. If I want a super High Gloss finish after the Butyrate is applied, I use PPG Concept 2002 clear Polyurathane and the plane looks as if it was dipped in plastic. This Polyurathane is VERY expensive, By the time you buy the gallon of clear, hardener and reducer, it comes close to $300.00 per gallon. It lasts almost forever and there is enough to do at least 15 planes if you mix it the right way, it's also very toxic, you must use a MSA mask and have a spray booth to get rid of the vapors, there have been many cases of people dying from exposure to this without the proper mask.
The other way to get a nice gloss finish is to use Randolph's clear Butyrate tautening dope with some retarder in it, about three coats. The Nitrate can be brushed on, the rest has to be sprayed on.
One thing to remember is this, You can put Butyrate over Nitrate dope, HOWEVER, NEVER NITRATE OVER BUTYRATE.
Have a great day All
John Eberle
Montgomery, TX
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