covering...
 

Hey all,
well, I got all the base color down onto my plane, and I'm gonna be moving onto the trim next. Got a few questions. 1) I have consider'd putting the control surfaces on and sealing the gap with monokote. Good idea? More problems then it's worth? 2) I'm debating weather to mount the control surfaces before applying the trim (if 1 I would have to but if didn't do one, it's optional). Would this make the trim harder to apply. 3) The windex method of applying trim. U just sprits windex then apply trim and squeeze out with a credit card before sealing, correct?
Thanks all
-John

RE: covering...
 

I've found that the Windex needs to be spread around a little with a soft clean rag to break the surface tension or whatever it is that keeps the Windex in little bubbles.

Enjoy,

Jim

RE: covering...
 

There is a very informative thread here on RCU about using the Windex method for applying covering. Check it out here:
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_603331/anchors_603331/mpage_1/key_flag/anchor/tm.htm#603331]Applying monokote graphics with windex.[/link]

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: covering...
 

On the few kits I have built, all the control surface gaps are sealed. It certainly will not hurt and may help. I cover all my parts before final permanent assembly. Either way is OK. Plan ahead and think about it a while before you decide how to do it. You may do it one way on this plane and try it another way on the next plane. Application of trim is generally no more difficult either way. It may be easier to line up long trim runs if done after assembly. The windex method works great for me. After squeezing it out, work slowly with one of the small trim irons and you will find it easier to avoid bubbles. A very small pin will "pop" the bubble, then you can iron it down.

RE: covering...
 

You certainly CAN seal the gaps with covering, but it's often not necessary, especially on a trainer. Wait till the control surfaces are permanently attached - if you have MORE than 1/16" gap, sealing it will give the control surface a little more authority.

As for attaching them before or after covering, have them ready to install (I.E. hinge slots cut and hinges in place but not glued) and cover. This way, you can add trim, but still take them off if you need to. Once it's finished, glue the hinges in

RE: covering...
 

When I build my Venture (someday) I'm gonna get it all built up then ship it off to Minn & wait for it to come home all nice & purty. I've found this to be a much easier way to cover an airplane.[sm=idea.gif][sm=bananahead.gif]

RE: covering...
 

If you're going to slot before you cover you need to make notes to remember where the slots are.
I used a piece of tape on the wing.
You could trace it on a piece of paper and mark on the paper where they are.
One it is covered they will be very hard to find.
good Luck,
KW_Counter

RE: covering...
 

Thanks everyone. I did slot before I cover'd. I used hte plans to find the slots. I decided to attach the control surfaces. If I decide to seal the gaps it will muck up the trim I have planned for the top of the wing to do it after the trim. Now I just have to decide if I want to go ahead and attempt my red dragon trim on the side. hmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
-John

RE: covering...
 

striderjg,
I always attach the control surfaces before I cover. Cover the gap first, and then do the covering on the rest of the surface after that. Take a look at these pics to get an idea of how I go about it.

Ken

RE: covering...
 

Real men don't fly Pink airplanes!

:D

RE: covering...
 

Wow Ken, those look just like the pictures that you never put in the PIF LT-40 build thread. :D Can you take the hint???

RE: covering...
 

Bruce,
Yeah yeah, I'm getting there. Doing that in all of my free time!!!! :D:D

Mike,
I just built it. Didn't say I was gonna fly it!!! ;) :D

Ken

RE: covering...
 

Hey Ken the trim on the hinges you it to both sides right? I'm at that point in your pic's on my plane and was wondering the best way to do the hing area's.
Another thing... How do you keep it from rolling up some much? Every time I peel the backing off I fight it the whole time trying to get it tacked down.
Thanks\
Randy

RE: covering...
 

Fold it and make a crease.

RE: covering...
 

rsCVN-71,
Yes, I do both sides of the gap.

And what Bruce said. Yes, fold it in half.

Ken

RE: covering...
 

Now how do I take care of the rolling up after I peel the backing off? Makes it a real pain in the a#$ trying to get a long run done and it keeps rolling up on all four sides. Seems like everytime I pull that backing off large or small pieces the covering just rolls up tight. The wife said I sound like I'm back in my navy days.. @$*# #$%@ %($%)_# %&U@)%* [:@]

Randy

RE: covering...
 

That's what the wife can do, have her help hold it for a few seconds until you can get it aligned and a couple of points tacked in place with your iron. Otherwise, just fight it. You may be able to put a couple of pieces of masking tape on to help also. You'll get used to it in time.

RE: covering...
 

rsCVN-71,
hmmm, that's odd because usually it rolls up before you pull the backing off of it and after you pull it off the covering will usually lay flat. Anyway, the way you are supposed to apply the covering will take care of the rolling up issue. The way to do it is to first tack one corner down, and then move to another corner and pull it tight and tack it down, then the 3rd corner, and finally the last corner. Make sure you are pulling the covering straight and tight before you tack the corners. Now you can back and finish applying the covering without it rolling up.

Hope this helps

RE: covering...
 

OOHH BRUCE AAAAAAAHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO make the pain stop..... The wife wont step foot near my "silly over priced toys".
Thanks for the info. I can tell ya this. Whatever type of covering your useing Ken doesnt roll anywhere near as bad as the ULTRA that I'm using. The owner at my LHS told me the ULTRA was a good covering to learn on.
Thanks again

Randy

RE: covering...
 

After you tack the corners, like Ken said, seal down the edges all the way around. Do this sort of like spot welding or stitch welding. A tack here and a tack there all the while carefully pulling the covering out to remove as many wrinkles as you can. Once you have gotten tacked all around, take the iron and go smoothly all around the perimeter and firmly seal it down. Once the edges are down you can turn to the gun and shrink the inner field. Once the inner field is shrunk tight and the last wrinkles are gone return to the iron and seal the field to any underlying structure where required (sheeting areas and ribs/capstrips).

Oh, before shrinking the field, it would be good to finish up the wing tips. Don't want the gun shrinking that material until you are ready.

Have you seen Minn's instruction videos

RE: covering...
 

Ken and I both use mostly Monokote. Never used Ultrakote so I can't speak on it.

RE: covering...
 

Yes I've seen the vid. that's how I got started. Finished up my covering job last night.( well most of it) I dont think it looks to bad for a first timer. I've got 2 really bad wrinkles in it but all in all I dont think its that bad. Guess now I'll have to get that RV-4 kit and get some more pract. time. Will def. try the monokote on my next one. I thank you guys for your help.
Just one more question... Should it take 5 freaken hrs just to cover one wing or is it just my learning curve?

Randy

RE: covering...
 

5 hours isn't bad for your first wing, it will get better/easier. But are you in a hurry or rather get it right? Like I try to tell all the new builders, take your time and enjoy the process as much as you can. Don't make a job out of it or set too tight (if any) of a schedule. It'll be done when it is done. HEY, this is supposed to be fun, not work. :D Later on when you start adding a lot of trim to your covering, 5 hrs will seem fast.

Ask Kiswa or Krossk how many hours they took or even RCken on the lt-40 project.

RE: covering...
 

rsCVN-71,
5 hours may be a tab bit too long, but not by much. This is one common misconception that a lot of new people have, that they think covering is quick. Sometimes covering a plane can take weeks depending on the complexity of the covering. I can usually get a wing half done in an evening, so you're not too far off of the mark.

On the Monokote/Ultracoat issue. I've used both and as Bruce said, I prefer Monokote. I agree that Ultracote can be a little easier to apply, but once you get the hang of it Monokote is just as easy to use in my opinion. The on thing I have never been happy with is that in my experiences Ultracote doesn't hold it's "stretch" when it's in the sun. Every plane I've had with Ultracote will wrinkle up in the sun and heat (huge problem here in Oklahoma), while I've had monokote planes that are still tight even after 4 years of use. That's my experience only, so others may disagree with that. I also prefer monokote because there is a larger selection of colors to choose from.

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: covering...
 

Yes sir it helps and I will try the monkote next time. One thing is for sure. I like building ALOT more than I like covering.:D
Thanks again to the both of you.

Randy