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How to Install a Model Airplane Covering

Anyone who enjoys building and flying model airplanes will benefit from learning how to cover the plane. A new cover can spruce up a plain, homemade wood plane, but can also give a new and exciting look to any type of model airplane. Learning to install a model airplane covering can also be key to repairing a plane after a big crash. Adding an iron-on film covering will reinforce your plane against wear and damage, limiting future repairs.

Things You'll Need

Sandpaper, 150-, 220- and 320-grit
Tack cloth
Model filler
Iron-on film covering
Model airplane sealing iron
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the entire plane with 150-grit sandpaper. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
- 2
  Wet slightly any dents or holes. Fill them in with model filler and let it dry. Sand the filled spots till smooth. Sand the whole plane with 220-grit, then 320-grit sandpaper to achieve a perfect surface to cover.
- 3
  Use four pieces of iron-on film covering for each wing, two for the top and two for the bottom. Use enough film to cover the whole wing with an extra 1 inch all around.
- 4
  Preheat the model airplane sealing iron to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer. Lay the pieces in position. Move the iron around the wing edge to seal them down. Trim the edges with scissors.
- 5
  Iron the center of the wing. Pull the covering while you proceed in order to prevent wrinkles. Repeat for the other wing.
- 6
  Cover the fuselage and tail. Split both parts into four sections. Iron them down and smooth any wrinkles. Trim edges. Let the pieces overlap 1/4 inch of adjacent surfaces.
- 7
  Iron the entire plane. Check that all edges are smooth and sealed.

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