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How
much will polyester fabric actually shrink?
>Polyester fabric will shrink a total of about 10-12% at 350
degrees F.
Do
all of the different weights of fabric shrink the same way?
>Yes.
Is
the temperature of the iron I use to heat shrink the fabric really
that important?
>Absolutely! You must calibrate your iron prior to heat shrinking
the fabric. You should calibrate it according to the manual for 225,
250, and 350 degrees F.
Can
I use a heat gun to shrink the fabric?
>NO! Do not use a heat gun. You have no idea what temperature is
being emitted and the temperature reaching the fabric is dependent
upon how close you hold the gun. If you have a heat gun hide it
until you are through with the fabric covering process.
What
kind of iron should I buy?
>Purchase a high quality iron that is rated for at least 1100
watts. You will want the iron to reach 350 degrees F and also be
capable of holding a temperature within plus or minus 10 degrees.
What
about the small hobby irons? Should I buy one of these?
>These small irons are useful for certain areas. A small area
that you cannot reach with a regular iron is an example. These hobby
irons are also useful when you are smoothing tapes later on in the
process. Be aware that controlling the temperature is much more
difficult than with a household iron. The quality is not as good.
Should
I calibrate my iron prior to each time I use it?
>We recommend you recalibrate your iron any time you change the
length of extension cord, etc.
Should
I move the iron over each area rapidly to keep from damaging the
fabric?
>Leaving the iron in one place will not harm the fabric as long
as the temperature is not above 350 degrees.
I
noticed smoke coming from the fabric when I ironed it at 350
degrees. Is this normal?
>Yes, this is normal. What you are seeing is actually steam from
the moisture found in the fabric itself. It is not smoke.
I
have been told not to place the iron over cemented seams-why is
that?
>If you iron over any seam that is secured using Poly-Tak cement,
be sure the temperature of the iron is below 225 degrees F. Anything
above that will loosen the bond.
I
made a mistake and have to undo a seam. How do I get the Poly-Tak to
loosen?
>Two ways-either use heat or use MEK to loosen the bond.
How
do I know when the fabric is tight enough?
>This is a common question. Generally speaking, if you attach the
fabric to the structure so it is snug and then iron the fabric as
discussed using 350 degrees F as the final temperature setting, you
should have the fabric tight enough. (Remember to stop at 250
degrees F if you have an ultralight or light structure). Another
quick check is to push hard on an area with your thumb. You will
leave an indentation in the fabric. That indentation should
disappear within a few minutes if the fabric is tight enough.
What
happens if the fabric is not tight enough?
>This depends upon where it is located. If it is within the prop
wash the constant drumming may weaken the bond of the chemicals to
the fabric resulting in cracking. If the fabric is too loose on the
top side of a wing it may "balloon up" excessively during
flight.
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