Thorp Air Command - T18.net

My wing walks are getting a little short in the tooth, trying to be a slip-n-slide when it gets wet. What has been used for anti-skid/non-slip treatments for wing walks other than the Randolph wing walk compound?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks,

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

I use anti-skid tape found in my local Ace Hardware. Comes in various widths. I used several (5 or 6) strips that I painted trim color before installing. Make sure wax is removed from the surface prior to application.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

I tried the "Peel and Stick" non-skid vinyl strips from Fly Boy Accessories and they failed (peeling) both times I tired them . Not sure what caused the failure as they were applied over cured fresh paint (no wax) . After I peeled off that mess and cleaned to goo off , I went with the Ultra Wing Walk Compound . It is a rubberized based coating that sez can be applied over your old wing walk material/paint (not sure about that ? ) I applied it to the clean surface area and it seems to be holding up well . Has not peeled or flaked . The only down side is you have to buy a quart of the stuff . That's enough for 3 T-18's ? The up side is you have left overs should you need to do touch up's . Pretty happy with the material . Just mask off your area and paint it on . No sand or grit in the material . BADA BING , BADA BOOM !

RB

I've used the peel and stick .. Never had a problem. The paint on stuff seems to loose its grip after a period of time.

Btw mystery solved, always wondered where you found matching treads Bob!

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

The paint stuff with the "sand" in the formula does wear as does the 3M peel and stick . This Ultra with the imbedded rubber instead of the "grit" seems to wear well . I suppose a rubber welcome mat would work also ?

RB

There are 2 basic types of the 3M tape usually available from Ace "Aircraft Supply". One has the "sand in it & the other has "bumpy" rubber particles. I've used both in the 2" wide tape with good success. The "sanded" version is a little less slippery, but a little harder to clean (maybe not if painted like Bob suggested). Both are very durable & stick very well if the surface is completely clean & free of grease. It's also important to radius the corners for peel-resistance. You can buy a special edge sealing compound from 3M, but I've found it to be messy & not really needed.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

Home Depot has some stick on stuff, one sheet makes 2 abrasive pads the size of your foot and then just a little, it is deadly sticky, it is 4 years old now and is still about like 40 grit emery paper. It is used on concrete and metal surfaces to create a sure footing, and that it does....Dan

I have seen both paint and peal and stick tape applications for wing walkway coatings. Both the paint and tape applications utilize either sand /grit and rubber embedded compounds, with the sand or grit applications wearing faster.

The RCAF CC-130 Hercules switched from the sand /grit paint to rubber embedded anti slip walkway paint compound. This was due to better suspension of the rubber anti slip granules in the paint compound resulting in more even application and longer service life.

I have 6 inch peal and strip tape application, that has been painted and there has never been a need to use an edge sealer.

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Victor J Thompson
C-GIRQ
In memory of Dad