I am about to finish a Sig Kadet Mk 2 that I started about 14 years (and 2 kids!) ago, and am going to cover it with Sig Koverall. My question, which I guess also applies to other fabric coverings, is to do with covering parts other than the wings. The instructions that come with the fabric & with the kit detail wing covering, and I understand that, i.e. basically stick around the edges with glue or dope, shrink, then seal with dope.

Do you cover sheet balsa parts such as the fuselage, stab, etc. in the same way, or is there some other technique?

Thanks,
Jonathan.

How refreshing! Someone who is interested in exploring another covering process then the poly type covering materials so absolutely previlent today!

I cover everything, excepting the fiberglass, metal or plastic parts used on the model. This gives a base for the painting process. It also makes the surface harder to help protect from "Hanger Rash" (dings, dents, scratches etc.). SIG has an adhesive which I would use if using Coverall called "Sticks It".

Good luck!

Mark deSchane, AMA 59157

Thanks for your reply. However I don't think I quite phrased my question how I meant it. I was always intending to cover all of the balsa surfaces, what I would like to know is: do I cover the sheet balsa parts using the same technique as the wings, or is there some other preferred method?

Jonathan.

I do it the same way for the sheeted areas. When over the sheet area watch out for air pockets forming under the covering. If you do get one use your X-acto knife to poke a very small hole in the bubble and then use your covering iron to push the air out of the bubble. Start at the opposite end of the bubble from the hole you made, and push the air out with your iron.

Ken

Here's something that I've found useful. On sheeted areas, start with a slightly cooler iron. Once stuck down you can turn up the temp a bit to really stick it down. Also a Woodpecker helps to aleviate those pesky bubbles underneath. Slow is the way to go, don't rush it. I love when I get to the covering part.

Good covering,

Tom

Thanks for the advice, guys.

Jonathan.