Oratex

[jiott]

Here's my 2 cents: After seeing both, I like the look of PF a lot better. With PF the many coats of paint fill in and feather the edges of all the tapes and seams into one pleasing whole. The Oratex has all those raw tape and seam edges that seem to stand out, making it look somewhat patched together. Also I would worry about some of those raw edges starting to peel back over time in the slipstream. From a distance it looks great though, and the time saving is undeniable.

[aviator79]

Here's my 2 cents: After seeing both, I like the look of PF a lot better. With PF the many coats of paint fill in and feather the edges of all the tapes and seams into one pleasing whole. The Oratex has all those raw tape and seam edges that seem to stand out, making it look somewhat patched together. Also I would worry about some of those raw edges starting to peel back over time in the slipstream. From a distance it looks great though, and the time saving is undeniable.

I still waffle back and forth. I will say that now that it's done, I'm glad I have Poly Fiber for the reasons that Jim is saying. It does look good.

[efwd]

Yup, I agree. Wondering about the edges myself. I think if its done correctly those edges aren't going to lift up. The adhesive is extremely strong. Question is, did I get adequate heat and pressure applied to all those little pinked edges. I would do straight edge tapes If I were to do it again. But, I think I would do the PF if I were to cover another for the nice finish as Jim states.

[littlecricket]

Curious, if anybody has sprayed Oratex with a clear coat? To give it that more poly fiber look/shine...

[aviator79]

If I were going to do that, I would just paint it. Either way, you're basically paying for your top coat twice.

[colospace]

Advantages of Oratex: does not require painting and lighter weight. Spraying a clear coat would negate both of those advantages. IMHO
By the way, I used straight edge tapes because the pinked edges are unnecessary (unless you are going for a vintage look) and I had observed that with no paint fill, they seemed to collect dust.

[aviator79]

... with no paint fill, they seemed to collect dust.

I'd never thought of that. It might be a real consideration if you choose dark colors.

[Esser]

If you want a show plane, don't use Oratex. If you want a light weight performer that looks great from 8' that you don't need to paint etc. use Oratex.

FYI I used urethane and being an amateur, my paint only looks good from 8 feet anyway. If I were to do it again. 100% oratex. Just my .02

[efwd]

if you have dust in your tape edges you aren't flying enough. That's how I will combat that issue.