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How to Apply AeroKote Model Airplane Covering

One of the first model airplane designs, according to NASA, is Leonardo DaVinci's 1485 ornithopter. The Wright brothers spurred the first boom in model airplane enthusiasm with their Kitty Hawk flight in 1903. The next boom took place in 1940 when the first mass produced model kits began production. Early models were covered with Japanese tissue paper or silk and dope (clear lacquer). These were lightweight, but not strong. Today we have Top Flite's Monokote, Hangar 9's Ultracote and SIG's AeroKote polyester coverings. They're all lightweight and strong. Many modelers prefer AeroKote because of its consistent shrinkage and good adhesion.

Things You'll Need

Wood or foam model airplane
AeroKote model airplane covering
Fine grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Heat gun
Scissors
Hobby knife
Acetone
Cotton swabs

Instructions

- 1
  Sand each section of your model airplane, then wipe each surface clean (including your work surface) with a tack cloth. This is very important, because any speck of dust will leave a bubble in the covering.
- 2
  Cut a piece at least an inch (all the way around) larger than each area of the model you plan to cover -- fuselage, wings and vertical and horizontal stabilizers -- focusing on one area at a time. Read the instructions that came with both the model kit and AeroKote covering.
- 3
  Adhere the covering to each area, then shrink it carefully with a heat gun on low to medium settings, depending on the size and fragility of the model you're working on.
- 4
  Pull out wrinkles.
- 5
  Trim with the hobby knife. Take care when you trim close to the edges. The covering will shrink back. If you have an edge cut too close, you can apply a little acetone with a cotton swab to seal it.
- 6
  Repeat steps 3 through 5 for each section of your model airplane.

Aviation