[mrrandyman]

I saw a video a while back on youtube with a fellow going through the steps of applying your covering or at least I thought that is what he was using.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhbY5dgv5I4

[Sukhoi 68]

Great advice Trevor. I use Solartex almost exclusively. One you learn how to control it with heat corners and curves etc become easily managed. Always have a sharp hobby knife and some small scissors handy. A good quality iron and heat gun are a must.

Scott

[Richard Lee]

I just covered a 1/5th scale Great Planes Piper Cub with Solartex. I goes around the toughest spots, like wing tips, with ease. Before covering, I tried the Solartex on three different balsa samples. One sample I just ironed on the Solartex to plain balsa. On another sample I first put a layer of polyurethane on the balsa, mainly to seal the wood. And on the third sample, I used Cover Grip on the balsa before applying the Solartex.

On plain balsa, the Solartex lifted off with only a gentle tug. On the balsa sealed with poly, it was much harder to lift the Solartex. And with the Cover Grip, the Solartex was stuck amazingly well.

I did not try to cover the entire plane with Cover Grip. Instead, I applied the Cover Grip an inch or so each side of any seams. I found brushing on the Cover Grip resulted in some thick spots and ridges, because the Cover Grip dries so quickly. I found wiping the Cover Grip on with a rag gave a much smoother surface.

[cessna180]

I am also new to using iron on film (Solartex). I also experimented with adhesives on balsa. I agree with RICHAR LEE and his 3 different methods. I also used butyrate dope and it works like WB poly. I did not like Cover Grip as it drys to fast and when thinned 20% water tends to run if you are not careful. The other product that I tried is Stitts Polytac used on full-size aircraft. Available from Aircraft Spruce Brantford ON. THIS IS THE BEST. Thin it 10% with MEK. And the solartex is almost impossible to remove.
Michael

[stegl]

What I have done when covering is first do a good vacuum and then use a tack rag , available at any store that sells paint supplies. You would be surprised just how much dust can be picked up even after a good vacuuming. Thus applies to both iron on fabric or the plastics . After that a coat of balsa-rite or equivalent .
Other options as posted will work well also, but don't forget the tack rag first.

[Jsp]

Thanks for all the tips guys.

Looks like I'll be covering the wings in the next week or so. Now that I'm finished my F16 and have the maiden out of the way. I can concentrate on this project.

I'll have to do some samples and see how the solartex takes the clear coat. Trevor, I noticed on your thread with the weddel that there were some issues regarding the clear?

[TBrum]

Nope... no issues.. he just had to get the technique figured out. I have sprayed automotive clear on Solartex since that Wedell Williams build and it went on without a hitch.

[Sukhoi 68]

I use Varathane gloss and satin from a spray bomb and never has any issues.

Scott