How to Cover a Remote Control Plane

Hold the finished plane in your hands and close your eyes. Run your hands over the plane and feel if there are any holes, bumpy spots or rough patches. Use model filler and a fine grit sandpaper to even out the finish and fix the flaws, whose presence can make it difficult to control your plane.

Apply a generous layer of balsa primer coat over the entire body of the plane. Let it dry completely and then rub it gently with 320-grit sandpaper.

Cover the plane, beginning with the wings, but do not remove the backing from the adhesive until you are ready to apply it to the plane. Place the wing pieces on top of the actual wings to make sure they fit. Follow this step for each piece of covering. If any need to be trimmed, do so with the backing in place.

Pre-heat your iron. Pull the material taut and begin to iron using a light touch, holding the iron in place for 2 or 3 seconds. Keep the material tight until you are sure the glue is adhering to the wood.

Cover the fuselage next. Remove the backing and hold it in place so the material is taut and there are no wrinkles or bubbles. Iron lightly until you are sure the glue is sticking to the wood.

Trim the plane once the covering is dry, with an Exacto knife. Draw your trim freehand with a pencil, or use a stencil for guidance. Use model paint or iron-on trim, found at hobby stores, or you can use pin striping tape.