• The Biplane Forum is a large global active community of biplane builders, owners and pilots. From Pitts to Skybolts, to older barnstormers, all types are welcome. In addition to our active community, our content boasts exhaustive technical information which is often sought after for projects and maintenance. This information has accumulated over the 12+ years the forum has been in existence.

    The Biplane Forum is a private community. Subscriptions are only $49.99/year or $6.99/month to gain access to this great community and unmatched source of information not found anywhere else on the web. We are also a great resource for non biplane users, since many GA aircraft are built the same way (fabric and tube construction). Annual membership also comes with two BiplaneForum.com decals.



Wing Sanding/Varnishing

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Joined
Jul 9, 2022
Messages
29
Reaction score
21
Location
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
I have a set of SD Too wings that were mostly assembled at some point in the past. Plywood ribs. Looks like the wings were varnished with at least two coats.

Some of the plywood surfaces, however, are a little rough (gritty) to the touch, especially on the cut edges.

I could sand and revarnish, sand/revarnish, once, twice, thrice? Or not at all? Two coats good enough? Worth fifty hours of labor? Wondering what others’ threshold is for sanding and varnishing with regard to “smooth”. Guessing it should be somewhere between unvarnished and back-of-a-violin glossy, just not sure where.

Regards,
David
 

Latest posts

Back
Top