I bought my citabria last september. It was recovered, ceconite, 11
years ago. It has been outside, Philadelphia area, since then. The red
paint has faded from the sun. The underside of things hasn't faded at
all. I tried a fairly mild polishing compound on it but for the most
part that wasn't very helpful. I guess the polish really can't dig in
because the fabric flexes too much. On the leading edges, which are
rigid, however it worked well. I was going to try 1000 grit paper but a
fabric guy told me that they could try a rejuvinator on it. I don't
know what that is exactly but I understand it's a type of paint thinner
or dope. I'm taking it in for a small patch over a rivet next month so
I'll learn more then.

No question that a good hanger will help. I've heard that a damp hanger
can be worse than outdoor tiedowns.

Dave
68 7ECA

Malcolm Teas wrote:
Ok, I know the received wisdom that a fabric plane shouldn't be kept
in the open and should always be hangared.

But, I started to question this after noticing several fabric planes
in the open at my home airport. They look in better shape than the
metal winged planes sometimes. I also know that the newer fabrics
(Ceconite and others) last much longer than the old cotton. And that
UV resistants in paint help more.

Anyone really doing this? What are the results on your plane? Any
A&Ps seen results from outside fabric?

Thanks,
-Malcolm Teas