How to Seal a Model Airplane
Airplane enthusiasts often use balsa wood to make model airplanes. This lightweight wood is extremely soft and benefits from a hard, protective layer. You can use several coats of nitrocellulose lacquer, commonly referred to as "dope," to seal a balsa wood plane. However, use a combination of lacquer coats and tissue paper layers to create a much stronger structure. Most craft and art supply stores sell brushing lacquer and lacquer thinner as well as "gift-grade" tissue paper.
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Things You'll Need
- Nitrocellulose lacquer
- Lacquer thinner
- Natural paintbrush
- Tissue paper
- Fine sand paper
- Charcoal mask
Instructions
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1
Dilute the nitrocellulose lacquer using the following proportion: one part lacquer to two parts lacquer thinner. Mix the solution well in a wide-mouthed glass jar. Use a charcoal mask to avoid inhaling the fumes.
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2
Cut the tissue paper into thin strips of varying sizes. Avoid areas of the paper that have creases or hard wrinkles. This will help to prevent bubbles and voids from forming when you apply it to the balsa wood model airplane later. Cut more paper than what you think you will need for the project.
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3
Use a sanding block with very fine paper to sand the model airplane until it is smooth. Use a flat, natural-hair paintbrush to brush on a coat of lacquer to the top side of the model airplane. Apply strips of tissue to the freshly coated parts. Allow the plane to dry before you turn it over and repeat the process on the other side.
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4
Trim off the excess tissue before brushing on a second coat of lacquer. This second coat will tighten the tissue covering and remove most of the wrinkles, creating a smoother surface. Allow the project to dry completely once more.
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5
Lightly sand the sealed model airplane to get rid of any small rough patches. Apply a third and final coat of lacquer. Sand again, after it has dried, until the model airplane is completely smooth.
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Tips & Warnings
Work in a well-ventilated area when using chemically-based products such as lacquer.
References
- Photo Credit aircraft model 3 image by Alexey Kuznetsov from Fotolia.com
