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Spence602 · Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 279 Location: USA TX Houston

My flying buddy did a news spot (KHOU - Walton's world) yesterday, and a little girl with an un-named kite put her kite up in the middle of the bigger kites. One of my buddy's kites (and 8' Rok with a 100' transition tail) was cut down.

He wrote me saying "I didn't see it but he got wrapped up in the power lines, power pole and transformer. The tail is ripped in two and there are at least two good tears in the sail. Additionally the sail is badly stained with oils, grease, creosote or who knows what. I haven't quite figured out how to repair it with the least visible patches."

Of course they (and her dad) should have been supervising, but the news broadcast was keeping their attention.

The Rok is dark red with an 18" border of black. He doesn't want to applique it or add any additional color. He also doesn't want any 'lines' showing from the repairs.

Questions:
1). What is the best way to get oils, grease, and creosote out of RSN?
2). What is the best way to repair the kite without leaving a sewn overlap?

He was thinking about laying another layer of fabric over the hole and hot-cutting both layers to make an exact fit. Then sew a clear film border to the smaller piece, and then sewing the whole thing onto the Rok.

Any ideas?
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Spence
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Dorsal · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 9:12 pm Post subject:

Spence -
I've seen photos of a Rev 1.5 that had been ripped from the leading edge to the trailing edge, just inboard of the vertical rod. The owner repaired it using CA Glue and had since flown the kite dozens of times without any further mishap. That's how I'd suggest to repair this Rok. If directions are needed, just PM me and I'll find the link to an excellent writeup / description.
As far as the oils and such, I've used Goof-Off with outstanding results on a number of kites. Yes, it stinks. No, it will not hurt the kite sail or the rods. Don't get it on "regular" plastics, though.
Now, if there are actual pigmentation stains, Goof Off may not remove them. Maybe someone will suggest Goo Gone (that orange smelling stuff), but I've never tried it yet. Maybe after removing the oils, the use of one of those bleach sticks would work on any residual stain.

stevef · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 11:12 pm Post subject:

CA repair technique.... Techsheet #70.

Ive seen some builders use talcum powder on an oil stain to absorb the oil....
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Kitesquid · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 7:00 am Post subject:

To wash my kite fabrics I use Synthrapol that you may find at a quilting shop or online at Dharma Trading Co.

I use it for all of my tough washing. If synthrpol won't remove it, NOTHING will....

I think I would soak the kite in any of the Citric Acid based cleaners like Goo Gone and try to use paper towels to abosorb off most of the offending gunk...

Or you also might try applying Simple Green full strength on anything oily...

BTW, Creosote is basically tar, and you should remove it as such.

If you want to use a much stronger solvant, I saw dry cleaning solvant at my local hardware store, but it is STRONG stuff and I have not tried it on RSN or RSP myself...

As far as the tear, I have not tryed the CA repairs but the sport kiters are saying good things about it... I would be concerend about how the adhesive holds up in hte long term.
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KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

CJQ · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 8:10 am Post subject: Soiled RSN

Hi Spence, To remove Any gunk stains that are petrolem base I have on my RSN kites I use a product called Brake -Clean. ( CRC Brand product) found in auto parts stores. ( read the caution label ) My wife also has a spray can in our laundry to remove grease type stains from clothing. Saturating a soft rag and wiping the trouble spot works well. I have also used WD40 to remove grease type stains .One of my oldest kites was getting ratty looking and I saturated the kite with WD40 wiped it off and it now looks like new again with no signs of harm from the spray.
Worth a try I think.

CLIFF

Spence602 · Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 279 Location: USA TX Houston

I've passed on all your suggestions/ideas/tips.
Thank you gentlemen!
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Spence
www.kiteshark.org

Kitesquid · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:25 am Post subject:

Like Clif said

READ AND UNDERSTAND THE SAFETY DATA ON ANY CHEMICAL YOU PLAN TO USE.

I recomend gettin the MSDS from the manufacturer.

Stay safe!!!!!
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

Spence602 · Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 279 Location: USA TX Houston

I got to see 'FrankenRok" this afternoon. It's not as bad as I imagined. We talked about it for a while and he's going to try CA on a couple of rips.

There are a couple of medium-sized holes he's just going to have to patch using the clearn film backer.

There are a few other smaller holes/tears - one's where the tear isn't clean - lots of ragged edges and loose threads. He's a wood-worker/turner, so I suggested he try to shred some of the same material as the sail and mix it with some thick CA, then spread it over the hole. Kind of like you do with sawdust and glue to fill a crack or a screw hole.

He said he'd try it - worst thing would be that he still has to patch it. I asked him to write-up his technique, findings, and results.

(Hopefully) more to come!
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Spence
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