I just build my first scratchbuilt bird from plans and had a great time doing it. Now I've moved on and I'm building a Stuka fron plans and I'm now faced with this dilemma. What is the best covering for painting a model once it is done? I have heard silk but that seems a bit like it might be expensive. It's a relatively big bird about a 72" wing so whatever is put on it I'll need quite bit. Also do automotive paints weigh more than conventional model paints or is it the other way around? Does any body have any exp. with the Stuka that maybe could give me a couple pointers on what to watch for and the like. Any advice would be greatly appreciated Thanx.

Take a look at the "Tex" coverings (Solartex, Worldtex, etc)

For a bird that size, I'd say the best covering is fiberglass/resin. As far as painting heat-shrink coverings, I can't recommend OZ Cover highly enough.

Good luck,

Juan M. Villaveces

I use worldtex, and auto paint.
Two reasons for the auto paint...
seems to be lighter and much more control on applying
and two...
I supply auto body shops

How about brown parcel paper and watered down pva? Its a nice finish but only works best with fully sheeted surfaces. Great surface for painting though.

Silkspan and dope will work well on sheeted surfaces. It is light and hides the balsa grain.

Micafilm is a good tough paintable surface too.