Covering techniques (Oracover Lite)?
09-09-2002, 01:47 AM
#1
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Covering techniques (Oracover Lite)?
I was using Oracover lite to cover my Butterfly (Diversity model
aircraft). The covering material has a layer of glue attached to it.
The instruction of Oracover states that at low to medium temperature,
the covering material will bond, and it will only shrink at high
temperature.
I finally found a temperature at which the glue melts and bonding
happens, but at that temperature the covering wrinkles severelyas
well. I was covering balsa sheets and wasn't able to get a flat layer
of cover. The covered surface looked like it was covered by those
thin plastic transparent covering sheets we use to keep food fresh in
refrigerator (what are they called?).
To add to my problem, I think the sealing iron's temperature was not
stable (I got the cheapest sealing iron with a Hanger 9
label). Without changing the temperature setting, sometimes the glue
won't melt (only the covering wrinkled), and sometimes the covering
melts. Most of the time I get wrinkled finish.
Help and thanks.
smau1
aircraft). The covering material has a layer of glue attached to it.
The instruction of Oracover states that at low to medium temperature,
the covering material will bond, and it will only shrink at high
temperature.
I finally found a temperature at which the glue melts and bonding
happens, but at that temperature the covering wrinkles severelyas
well. I was covering balsa sheets and wasn't able to get a flat layer
of cover. The covered surface looked like it was covered by those
thin plastic transparent covering sheets we use to keep food fresh in
refrigerator (what are they called?).
To add to my problem, I think the sealing iron's temperature was not
stable (I got the cheapest sealing iron with a Hanger 9
label). Without changing the temperature setting, sometimes the glue
won't melt (only the covering wrinkled), and sometimes the covering
melts. Most of the time I get wrinkled finish.
Help and thanks.
smau1
09-09-2002, 02:16 AM
#2
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Works OK for me..
I just finished covering an entire plane with Ultracoat lite transparent purple. (ultracote is the same thing as oracover - just 2 names for the same product)
The iron needs to be about 200 degress I think. I use a drop of water to test. If it sizzles, it is above 212.
I found this particular product no more difficult to use than the others (monocoat and regular ultracote, black baron etc.). If this is your first experience with any iron on covering, then some general tips might be in order:
when covering solid sheet balsa (like a aileron strip or fuselage side) , try tacking down one end and stretching to the other end and tacking it. then run the iron doen the middle and work from the middle out.
Don't be afraid to pull this material tight if you are getting wrinkles.
The iron needs to be about 200 degress I think. I use a drop of water to test. If it sizzles, it is above 212.
I found this particular product no more difficult to use than the others (monocoat and regular ultracote, black baron etc.). If this is your first experience with any iron on covering, then some general tips might be in order:
when covering solid sheet balsa (like a aileron strip or fuselage side) , try tacking down one end and stretching to the other end and tacking it. then run the iron doen the middle and work from the middle out.
Don't be afraid to pull this material tight if you are getting wrinkles.
09-09-2002, 01:03 PM
#3
Covering techniques (Oracover Lite)?
Ditto! Make sure you tack down the four corners first! If it is a large area (such as a wing) I then tack down the edges, starting between two corners. Do all 4 sides. then tack down between the tacks you just did, and the corners. Keep repeating this until all 4 sides are completely sealed. Then, hit the center with a heat gun (or iron) to shrink/adhere.
