I have never covered before and was wondering if I could do it?

Covering, itself, is not hard. I had never covered before and I did a pretty good job. However, to do an excellent job is something that only experience can improve. It doesn't take much to do a "good" job, but it takes skill to to a great job.

My hardest part was knowing what temps to use. At first, I was using too low of a temp, and was dissappointed at the result. After asking around on RCU, and went back and applied more heat. It was really cool to see the monokote shrink up and form up drum tight.

Go for it, and if you get stumped, ask lots of questions. There are many here that can give you excellent advice!

By the way, what plane are you trying to cover?

That would depend on who you ask. I don't think it's hard, but then again I've covered lots of models. It's like everything else you would do in the hobby, the more you practice the better you get.

RCU member MinnFlyer has done some great how-to articles and videos on covering. check them out as they will go a long way to getting you started.
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=67]Minnflyer Covering how-to[/link]
[link=http:////67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazine/reviews/352/cov1.wmv]Minnflyer Covering video, part 1[/link]
[link=http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazine/reviews/352/cov2.wmv]Minnflyer Covering video. part 2[/link]
[link=http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazine/reviews/352/cov3.wmv]Minnflyer Covering video, part 3[/link]

I hope this helps

Ken

nO ITs not hard if you are no an aesthetics freak. I have covered 2 planes and the second time I did something different to make it look better. Time will tell if I could be a pro at covering . Both times I used monokote. Cloth is a different entity.

I find covering with Monokote and other iron-on films not to be hard in itself per-say, but to do it without annoying wrinkles and smudges that don't go away - that is hard.

I have started covering my models now with Coverite Fabric and I find it to be much easier. Less wrinkles and no bubbles due to the weave the fabric has that lets it breath and avoids bubbles. I do not get smudges with the Coverite and just about no wrinkles. But in time with practice I am sure I will get better covering with all types. Just gotta stop being such a perfectionist and expect it to be perfect. [sm=bananahead.gif]

Just my two-cents worth. Cover away and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when you are done. And if you can show pics of the finished product that would be great

My take is covering is not too hard. Covering really well can be challenging. I've always aimed for well enough that I wouldn't be embarrassed. Anyone who reads this and has actually seen one of my planes (there are some here on RCU) is free to comment on whether I've met my objective or not.

Edit: A good teacher really helps. I owe all that I know to a gentleman named Dave Guerin who taught me many years ago. I only wish I could finish (or build or fly) planes as well as he can!

The hardest part about covering is remembering to remove the plastic backing before you try and stick it down with the iron.

At least for me...........[:-]

i depends the more you do it the easyer i becomes.

Use Ultracote rather than Monokote. It's more user-friendly. Also, get the book by Higley, "There Are No Secrets". It will help a lot. Top Flite and Coverite both make covering videos, too.

Dr.1

take a look at the videos how to's that Ken posted. If you take your time, use nice and sharp blades to cut with you'll be fine

good point bubba ALLWAYS use a sharp blade so u dont get jagid edges and (mind your fingeres) i burnt my hand while covering my plane 3 weeks ago[:@]

Hi luke21 or hhhhhhhh or spitfire123.

Yep, nobody else spells quite like him.

ROFLMAO
While reading through the posts, I immediately thought the same thing. Then, it was confirmed with the first post of over three words. Changing your screen name---nice touch, Luke!

Going back to your original post mikmaxx, covering can be a little tricky the first time but a learnable process. Start off by viewing the videos that RCKen suggested and then practice on some scraps a little bit. Figure out what temperatures you want your irons set for and then just do it. Remember, this is a time consuming part of a build so don't be disappointed if it takes a while. Just take your time and think out each step carefully. Measure, cut, install, shrink, etc. Before you know it, you will be done.

I'm going to be covering a plane before too long. If there is any particular about covering that you have questions on PM me and I'll shoot a short video of that part of the covering to help you out.

Ken

Measure twice. Cut once.

Do the largest areas first. DON'T PANIC! When doing wings lay the sheet loose (do the bottom first) over the panel, tack once with the iron at the leading edge (just a 1/2" square spot) and then the trailing edge, then each corner, pulling the covering taught (just enough to get the wrinkles out before eadc tack). THEN start from the middle and work outwards.

When planning the covering think roof shingles. The overlaps should be away from exhaust oil flow and wind force. This is not super critical, but in the long run can make a difference. Once a piece flips up the airflow will work at it incessantly.

A squirt of Windex gives you the ability to poition covering pattern patches (and decals) and you can squeege out all the trapped air with a credit card or piece of thin plastic. Then iron the covering piece in place.

Keep your eye on the color. The coverings I've used darken a shade or two when they're heated properly and you get a visual aid. Test a piece of covering on a scrap piece of balse to git the feel for how much heat it takes (and how you can re-heat and remove).

Monokote has a video that covers the basics. Does your local club have a copy to loan from their library?

What would help me out the most is if I could just shoot you my next plane and have you cover it!

Be sure to include a check. Ken will fill in the amount for you.

I know this would be too much for you to be able to do, and I am not asking you to per-say, only mentioning that it would be nice - but I would love to see a complete covering video from start to finish. I have questions about so many areas I would not know where to start . Keep up the great build thread Ken - will just have to wait to see your covering pics to help guide me along the way.

Piper_Chuck,
That could be arranged.

Tigerdude,
Be careful what you ask for , you just might get it. If you don't expect it as soon as I finish the build, I may be able to get something put together for you. I've got a couple of cameras that can shoot video, I'll just need time to edit it and get it converted to wmv format. Unlike Minnflyer, I can't do graphics and videos in my sleep!!!!!!

Minn, does that count as my shameless plug for this month?? [8D]

Ken

Sounds like you need more practice.

Monokote seems to dull my blades quicker than Ultracoat. I have been know to go through 7 to 10 blades on covering a plane.[:@] And using a pane of glass as a cutting surface, is a great way to get smoother lines.

My experience with covering for the first time wasn't so much that it was hard or difficult, but very tedious. Since I have the attention span of a 2 year old and very little patience, covering was a chore for me.

1) Practice on some scrap doing corners and such with the different temps.

2) Pick up a 100 pack of razors for ~$7 at a big box hardware store(Home Depot), that way you won't mind tossing a blade when it starts to dull. I went through about 10-20 in my build. (Cover those blades you toss with a piece of scotch tape so you won't have to worry about getting cut while going through your trash bag or whatnot later on.

3) Imagine what the end result will look like and cut your pieces accordingly...