Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Sand down the balsa frame using sandpaper, until it is completely smooth. Even small rough spots could affect how the MonoKote covers the plane.
Fill any dents or dings in the frame with model filler, and sand those spots until they are flush with the frame.
Unroll the MonoKote covering on a clean workspace; lay part of your plane, such as one wing, on top of it. Cut a panel of MonoKote that is 2 inches wider and 4 inches longer than the part.
Pull the MonoKote away from its backing. Sit the adhesive side down on top of the part so that there is at least 1 inch of overlap on all sides. If you̵7;re working on the wing, allow 3 inches of overlap at the wing tip.
Run a hot covering iron along the MonoKote to heat-seal the covering to the frame. Start by tacking one center side of the part, and then gently pull the MonoKote taut from the other end. Tack that side. Pull the MonoKote taut from the opposite corner, and tack it. Continue working in this way, stretching the MonoKote flat from opposing corners, until the covering is tight, with no large wrinkles.
Run the hot iron along the entire perimeter of the shape, moving slowly and pulling the covering so it is taut. Seal the center of the covering last.
Cover curves, such as wing tips, by heating the MonoKote before it is over the frame to make it pliable. Stretch the covering gently, reheating every inch or so, until you can rest it over the curved part with no evident wrinkles.
Cover all parts of the plane in this manner, using your desired MonoKote colors.
Trim excess material with a hobby knife, and run the iron over all edges to ensure that they̵7;re sealed.
Shrink the covering tight by gliding the flat part of the covering iron back and forth over the frame.