I want a really shiny finish. Can I use Imron or my favorite auto paint?
Revision 20, July 2001, of the Poly-Fiber Procedure Manual No. 1 allows only Poly-Tone or Aero-Thane topcoat paint over the fabric-covered components of certified aircraft. This is a major change to the STC. Use of any other topcoat paint over fabric will void the STC. The old rule that the STC was valid only “up to the silver” and that any available topcoat paint could be used has changed. The increasing use of brittle automotive polyurethane paints over the years has caused enough cracking and delimitation to cause the FAA to rethink approving untested topcoat paint over fabric. Failed topcoat paints expose polyester fabric to sunlight and UV damage. Poly-Tone and Aero-Thane have long service records over fabric as well as established test data on file with the FAA. Additionally, both paints have an FAA Parts Manufacturing Authority (PMA) which allows their application on certified aircraft. This has no effect on the non-fabric components. For instance, a J-3 Cub must have only Poly-
