How to Cover a Model Airplane

It's a beauty

You have built your masterpiece. A stunning model airplane in exquisite detail. There are a multitude of delicate, frail parts and it has taken hours, perhaps days of your time to perfect it. Your next objective is to protect the bare material your model is made out of. Here's how to take the proper steps to preserve your work, enhance aerodynamics and put your creative trademark on your model airplane.

Things You'll Need

• Model airplane dope
• Thinner
• Model tissue
• Spray bottle
• Heating iron

Instructions

1. Apply model airplane dope to the frames. Brush it on as smoothly as possible and wipe up excess. Be thorough. Try not to leave any bare spots.

2. 

   Lay your tissue paper over the frames. This is the step that can be frustrating to beginners. Lay the paper over carefully. It's hard to get the wrinkles out so take care not to crumple the paper as you work with it. You'll see plenty of wrinkles as the paper soaks up the dope. Don't worry!

3. 

   Spray the surfaces. Get a spray bottle and fill with water. Lightly spray the entire model. As the paper dries, it also shrinks and that removes the wrinkles. You should have a fairly wrinkle-free model after this process.

4. 

   Apply another coat of dope. It is recommended that you thin the dope by 50% first to save unwanted weight on the model. This second coat will also strengthen the skin. Let it dry well before handling.

5. Use a hot iron. Some types of coverings will need to be hot ironed. For instance, Ultracote, Monokote and Balsaloc should be applied with an iron. Some say that Ultracote is easier to work with in that it can be repositioned before it permanently adheres to the surface. Using an iron takes skill, so practice on some other surface before applying to your model.

6. 

   Don't be afraid to fly! After finishing a model, some folks are hesitant to fly because as we all know, accidents do happen. Remember why you're building a model AIRPLANE in the first place. Crashing is all part of the adventure and most damage can be repaired, so fly and be free!

Tips & Warnings

• As with anything, take your time and practice on other surfaces if you have any doubts.

• Study up on why different model builders use different materials.

• Use caution when using a hot iron and any type of glue.

Resources

• RC Universe