Painting Oratex

[Richard E]

I have asked the manufacturers a couple of times about the UV resistance and expected life of Oratex, but they have not responded.

Has anybody any experience of over-painting Oratex? If so, did you use the special Oratex paint or something else?

[paulodonnell]

I don't believe there's any issue with UV and Oratex - it's German, its certified... it will be made to last. The only downsides to me it is its ludicrous costs and more so the dull finish you are left with. I'm still thinking of using it however and may paint it. Oratex themselves have their own in house paint but I previously used automotive paints over Ceconite on two biplanes I covered - one is ten years old now and the other over twenty and they still look great, no cracks or crazing. What I used was a flexible additive the they have for plastic bumpers etc.

Visiting Oshkosh last year I got chatting to one of the guys from Alaskan Oratex who confirmed what I thought, painting it isn't a problem and he said they also use automotive paint as trying to import Oratex's own paint from Germany was cost prohibitive given its classed as hazardous goods etc. The other interesting potential money saving tip he gave me (and I've yet to explore), is that they have 'second class' fabric which they can't sell for certified use - might have a little dirt speck or a hair etc. on the roll that he reckons you would be hard pressed to spot, but if its getting a final glossy coat it wouldn't matter. I have a small sample to test soon for painting. I particularly like their jet black backed silver product too.

[svyolo]

Both epoxy and Crazy glue are recommended to glue Oratex for small areas, and I have used both. Adhesion is no problem. The primary benefit of Oratex for most people, is you don't have to paint. Planning on painting, other than trim, kind of defeats the purpose as far as my opinion goes.

I currently have a pretty mixed opinion of it, and it is what I used. If it lasts a very long time, I will like it more and more over time. There are some challenges applying it, that are too long for me to resond to on this thread. I can expand it further if you want to start an Oratex thread.

[jaredyates]

Sounds like a great idea for a Beartracks article!

[svyolo]

A bit long I maybe, and can't ask and answer questions. I have a bit of time on my hands the next couple of months. I will resurrect a Oratex thread hopefully tomorrow.

[Richard E]

A bit long I maybe, and can't ask and answer questions. I have a bit of time on my hands the next couple of months. I will resurrect a Oratex thread hopefully tomorrow.

Hi Syvolo, The article is good for those that are taking the plunge on using Oratex or a legacy product. My plane has an Oratex covering that is now nearly five years old. I know of one that is 12 years old. The material looks to be fine, but both are hangared 24/7.

My thoughts around painting the Oratex are for a few reasons: UV protection if the plane was to be kept outside, improving the dull finish, changing colour etc.

Paulodennell's comment around auto-paint with a flexible additive is interesting. Be good to hear how his test goes.

[svyolo]

I might definitely think about painting it if I was going to leave it outside on a tie-down. Maybe just the top of the tail and the top and sides of the fuselage.