Problem Putting Covering on top of Covering
#1
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Problem Putting Covering on top of Covering
I am constantly having trouble when I am putting a layer of covdering (Ultracoat) on top of another layer of Ultracoat. I get bubbles all the time no matter how careful I am with the iron. The problem is worse when the covering is over an open space then when on a sheeted surface.
My current method is to iron it down as careful as I can and then pop as many of the bubbles as I can with a pin an re-iron.
I know I must be missing some simpler technique I haven't thought of yet. Can someone help me out here. Thanks.
My current method is to iron it down as careful as I can and then pop as many of the bubbles as I can with a pin an re-iron.
I know I must be missing some simpler technique I haven't thought of yet. Can someone help me out here. Thanks.
#3
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Problem Putting Covering on top of Covering
I spray the "underlayer" with windex...
Apply the trim on top.
Carefully use a credit card to squeeze the water out from underneath it.
Works even better if you can "peel" the trim ON.... In other words start a corner attached and then slowly "reverse peel" the trim on using the credit card to work air out as you go...
If you get a bubble, pull the trim back to where the bubble is and try again...
Once on, dry with a paper towel and let sit for 30 minutes or so...
An iron on low will adhere the glue without causing the bubbles... most of them are caused by the glue releasing gasses when heated. The hotter the iron the more gas.
A trim iron works well on small stripes... (an inch or so) work your way down the stripe "swiping" left and right from the center of the stripe... this helps moves any gasses/bubbles to the edge of the stripe and let's it escape.
On Onokote you don't even iron... you just use trim solvent and swab the edges of the trim with a Q-Tip... and wipe dry...
Eventually it ALL melts together in the sun without bubbles...
Apply the trim on top.
Carefully use a credit card to squeeze the water out from underneath it.
Works even better if you can "peel" the trim ON.... In other words start a corner attached and then slowly "reverse peel" the trim on using the credit card to work air out as you go...
If you get a bubble, pull the trim back to where the bubble is and try again...
Once on, dry with a paper towel and let sit for 30 minutes or so...
An iron on low will adhere the glue without causing the bubbles... most of them are caused by the glue releasing gasses when heated. The hotter the iron the more gas.
A trim iron works well on small stripes... (an inch or so) work your way down the stripe "swiping" left and right from the center of the stripe... this helps moves any gasses/bubbles to the edge of the stripe and let's it escape.
On Onokote you don't even iron... you just use trim solvent and swab the edges of the trim with a Q-Tip... and wipe dry...
Eventually it ALL melts together in the sun without bubbles...
#10
Problem Putting Covering on top of Covering
Woodpecker
"hmmmmm
woodpecker
never thought of that
i need one"
No you don't. I had the same experience as Spicoli. I tried to use it once, and now it is somewhere in the bottom of my pile of tools I never use.
"hmmmmm
woodpecker
never thought of that
i need one"
No you don't. I had the same experience as Spicoli. I tried to use it once, and now it is somewhere in the bottom of my pile of tools I never use.
#12
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Problem Putting Covering on top of Covering
Very low iron heat, just enough to get it to stick. Work very slowly in short sections from one end to the other, pulling tight before you iron, starting with the iron in the middle and moving out wards. With practice you should get few if any bubbles. ***** any that anoy you.
Once finished, go over again with the iron on normal heat to ensure it has stuck.
Once finished, go over again with the iron on normal heat to ensure it has stuck.
#13
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Covering
The tips above for fixing your problems are all good.
The best answer though, is simply not to put "covering over covering", except at very small (1/8" to 1/4") overlaps. Most covering "pros" would not do something like cover a wing in one color, then add trim. It's much better to plan your covering scheme in advance, and cut pieces to fit, overlapping only slightly.
Fewer and smaller overlaps=fewer bubbles.
The best answer though, is simply not to put "covering over covering", except at very small (1/8" to 1/4") overlaps. Most covering "pros" would not do something like cover a wing in one color, then add trim. It's much better to plan your covering scheme in advance, and cut pieces to fit, overlapping only slightly.
Fewer and smaller overlaps=fewer bubbles.
#14
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Problem Putting Covering on top of Covering
Thats all great, but the plane is already covered in solid red. I want to put something on it but not cut and paste the already applied covering.
In the past when I have tried to put covering on top of covering it just didn't look all that good up close.
In the past when I have tried to put covering on top of covering it just didn't look all that good up close.
#16
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Problem Putting Covering on top of Covering
I recommend using both Mordibs method AND the woodpecker. The woodpecker works GREAT for making alot of holes on the underlying surface.
#18
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RE: Problem Putting Covering on top of Covering
I found that the Woodpecker works better than the #11 blade. You can remove all but one wheel to do the fine work, which IMO gives you better control than a blade.
Attached is a picture of 2 Tiger 60's that used this method with out any issue.
Attached is a picture of 2 Tiger 60's that used this method with out any issue.
#19
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RE: Problem Putting Covering on top of Covering
I just experimented wih Ultracoat and windex..I squgeed all the windex out and just sealed the edges and didnt touch the middle..So far so good!!
#20
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RE: Problem Putting Covering on top of Covering
I ran into that problem a long time ago when you had no choice but to build. I use a small piece of balsa about 1/2"x3/4" and about 1" thick, push about 15 t-pins through it and now you have a small pin hole poker. All the gasses go out the pin holes you created prior to applying the trim. Cheap and easy, since then I bought a woodpecker.