Fuel proofers and a true Tufkote alternative

With the increase of model building the subject of fuel proofers is coming up quite frequently, there is a thread over on the RCM&E forum at the moment discussing this very subject.

Lets get a bit of background to start with. Back in the 1970's and 80's Ripmax marketed a fuel proofer called Tufkote, to be fair it was tough and it was very fuel proof and gave a really good finish. Tufkote was a Furniglass furniture lacquer repackaged.

At some stage there was a reformulation but no reports of a deteriation in performance which was good news. At some stage Ripmax dropped the Tufkote product.

A couple of years ago I had a furniture project that I was working on and I bought a product called Rustins Plastic Coating to use as the varnish, as soon as I opened it I thought it was Tufkote, the smell was identical. Once it dried it also handled just like Tufkote, sanding with 400 grade papers produced a nice white dust.

I have since done a couple of other projects with the Rustins Plastic Coating, I thought I would test the fuel proof qualities of the Rustins product so I puddled some 15% nitro fuel on one the surfaces that I had finished with Rustins Plastic Coating, left it for 2 hours and there was no softening or witness of the fuel, so I think we can say it is fuel proof.

I have also sprayed the Plastic Coating and it sprays really well.

Thin with cellulose thinners or 2K thinners, acetone does not seem to touch it. I sprayed it with a Badger 200 running at 30PSI and with the heavy needle about 4 turns out from fully shut.

Don't search and spend money and time looking for a Tufkote alternative as Rustins Plastic Coating is the real deal.

Any questions then just shout.

B.

Another useful tip Barrie! I must admit as a diesel user I find dope is proof enough on its own so is acrylic and enamel, although acrylic will soften if drenched in meths ( wonderfull for getting diesel gunge off).

I use Rustins, it's very easy to use and economical to buy, can be brushed on, is easy to clean and comes out smooth with 400 grade as Barrie said.
You can get a litre for under 25 quid on ebay, that will last for aaaaaaaages!

Paul
I agree diesel fuel does not attack cellulose dope, I really dislike the smell and feel of diesel fuel though.

I will consider one of the new Oliver Tigers if they get into production, I will get one of my mates to fuel and launch the model, which would most likely be a Peacemaker.

B.

I'm strange...I love it !!