Poly Tone or Aero-Thane ??

[southwind32]

I'm a long ways off from painting, but looking for comments pro or con on paint.
Thanks
Brian

[avidflyer]

Poly tone is lighter, Aerothane shines more. better breathing protection is required with Aerothane as well. JImChuk

[aviator79]

I don't have first hand experience, but in my own research I have found the following general consensus:

Poly-tone is easier to repair, can be sprayed wearing a cartridge respirator, and has a more vintage fabric-covered look. It can be buffed to a pleasant sheen, but not a high gloss. It also stains easier and is less resistant to solvents. (That's why it is easier to repair.)

Urethanes require a supplied air breathing system, give a "wet look" gloss, and are very resistant to stains and chemicals. They must be sanded off to make repairs. If you are willing to look at other Urethanes besides Aero-thane, you may also have a larger color palette to choose from.

FWIW, the factory-built planes are urethane coated.

[Esser]

Urethane is hands down a tougher better product but not as forgiving on amateur application has polytone.

I painted my plane with a urethane product.

[ken nougaret]

From my limited experience:
Urethane pros: shiny, durable
negatives: heavier, more difficult to spray, more difficult to repair, requires mixing hardener, more expensive, more toxic, susceptible to cracking.

Poly-tone pros: lightest, easy to spray, easy to repair, only mixing thinner, lower cost, dont need fresh air face mask, most flexable for fabric.
negatives: not as shiny, NOT resistant to chemicals.

I really wanted a shiny plane, like the factory built. But i couldnt bring myself to go that route. Im happy with my choice of poly-tone and with a couple coats of wax it has enough bling.

[Esser]

susceptible to cracking

I would have to disagree with this comment. My urethane paint can be folded pinched bent over a 1/8" dowel and pulled back and forth and it won't crack. Automotive urethanes can have plastisicers added to make it "flexible" for bumpers and things. These will crack. True formulated for fabric urethane won't crack.