How to Repair a Styrofoam R/C Airplane
While learning to fly a radio-controlled airplane, a crash or two is to be expected. Body damage to the plane can occur as a result of the crash. A radio-controlled airplane with a broken Styrofoam body is salvageable. When repairing an airplane's Styrofoam body, it is important to use a method that retains the lightweight quality of Styrofoam and will not melt the Styrofoam.
Instructions
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White Craft Glue Repair
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Gently rub together two broken pieces before gluing. Dow, the creator of Styrofoam, says this will created a better bond. Apply white craft glue to the area you want to reattach the two broken parts.
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Insert toothpicks halfway into one of the broken parts. The toothpick will eventually face the other broken part. The number of toothpicks you use will depend on the size of the broken piece (use more for larger pieces).
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Allow the glue to become tacky. Press the second piece of Styrofoam onto the half of the toothpicks that are sticking out of the first piece. Gently push the parts completely together. Allow the glue to dry completely before flying the airplane.
Low-heat Glue Gun Repair
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Insert a glue stick into the hole at the top of the low-heat glue gun. Plug in the glue gun to an electrical outlet. Allow the glue gun to become warm.
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Gently rub the two broken Styrofoam parts together.
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Insert the toothpicks halfway into one of the pieces Styrofoam.
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Apply the low-heat glue onto both pieces of Styrofoam by squeezing the trigger on the glue gun. Immediately press the pieces completely together. Allow the glue to dry. Unplug the glue gun when you are done using it.
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Tips & Warnings
Never use a glue that has a solvent in the ingredients. Solvents melt Styrofoam, causing the release of toxic fumes.
Never use a hot glue gun because it will melt the plastic pellets of the Styrofoam.
References
- Photo Credit Lucas Tiedge/Polka Dot/Getty Images
