How to Remove Wrinkles From a Model Airplane
Applying an iron-on film covering to your balsa airplane will give your model a realistic look and help protect the wood from wear and tear. However, this type of covering is prone to wrinkles, both during the initial heat-shrinking process and over time, depending on variations in humidity and temperature where you use and store the plane. Remove wrinkles from a model airplane using the same covering iron with which you applied the film covering.
Things You'll Need
- Model airplane covering iron
- Protective cloth or sock
- Cleaning solution
- Paper towel
Instructions
-
-
1
Cover a model airplane covering iron with a protective cloth or sock. This cloth cover will help distribute the iron’s heat evenly and protect the airplane’s surface as you iron.
-
2
Preheat the iron to the appropriate temperature for your specific type of covering. Check your model’s instruction manual for details.
-
-
3
Clean the airplane, if it has been in storage for some time. Spray a light cleaning solution over the plane’s surface and wipe it with a paper towel to remove dust.
-
4
Run the hot iron along all edges of the film covering to seal the covering to the plane. Always do this before removing wrinkles so that the shrinking film doesn’t pull away from the edges, exposing the wood beneath.
-
5
Run the iron along any areas with wrinkles, moving slowly back and forth without applying too much pressure. You may need to complete several passes with the iron before wrinkles are completely removed.
-
6
Go over the entire model with the iron to tighten loose covering, even in areas where wrinkles are not visible. This will help prevent new wrinkles from forming in the future.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid leaving your model airplane in the sun, because direct heat and light can cause the plane’s film cover to wrinkle and bubble. If large bubbles occur, use a small pin or needle to let the air out before resealing the film.
Ironing with too much heat may cause the film covering to bubble or pull away from the wood.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
