I'm building a new kit and do not want to cover with monokote. I want to use some kind of pre painted canvas that can be ironed on. Never used any kind of dope don't know anything about it and don't really want to find out. what are your personal fav's out there?

Miloh:

With a fabric covering you have several choices.

The best quality is the S t i t s covering system. While it's a fair amount of work, I think it is the best fabric system for a model. Quite similar to "Ceconite" for larger airplanes. It's called a "System" because you have to use their adhesive and paints for the best job.

One step down is Sig "Koverall" which requires doping it down or the use of "Balsarite" for fabric. And it has to be doped after installation. Works well, isn't hard to apply, and looks good.

Other products that are prefinished, and iron on in a similar manner to the Monocote type coverings are on the market too. One is 21st Century "Coverite" fabric. I've never used Coverite, you'll have to get comments from someone else on how good it is. Or isn't.

Hope this helps.

Bill.

Miloh

Monokote-no

Silk or cloth and dope-YES!

Pre-paint the wood with clear dope.

Soak the silk in water to get it to lay and adhere to the wood and paint a coat of clear dope pulling out wrikles as you go along.

As the dope dries, it shrinks and tightens the silk.

Cloth the same except wash it as laundry to get out the sizing impregnated in fabrics. Sizing preserves the fabric while it sits on the sales shelf.

If you want it to look great without a lot of work, use 21st Century fabric.

Jerry Nelson sells a couple kinds of dacron. I use the type that goes on with dope. He also has some that irons on. Both are real good. You can put dope on for color or you can paint it with his latex paints.

www.NelsonHobby.com

Is Solartex still around and in favor? I have a few rolls of it that I bought a couple of years back for future projects (stick-and-rag planes).

Where can I get the solartex? this sounds familure.

I vote for Solartex. Goes on well, looks authentic, and stays stuck if you ironed it on according to instructions.
Balsa USA sells it.

Rick

Rick.


This is what I was looking for. Thanks for your time and help.

PRICE is right as well.

Miloh.

Used both Solartex and 21st Century fabric. Solartex wins hands down IMO. Easier to apply and (unlike 21st cent.,) can be shrunk drum tight.

I also favor Solartex (Colortex and Worldtex are the same item) over coverite. Solartex goes on easier, sticks better both to itself and wood, goes around compound curves much better. It does have two dissadvantages though. If you do not put a clear coat over it, it collects dirt in the weave which is hard to clean and , on lightly built models, it can warp the unit as it can be shrunk so much. Another superb covering, especially if you prefer the films is Oz Cover. You must paint the Oz cover unless you want a clear finish as it comes only in clear. The makers of Oz cover also make Rhino Hide which is even tougher but it comes only in Pearl White.

This information is very helpful. gratitude abounds!!!!

Miloh.

Check out the Super Fabric at Hobby Lobby there in Brentwood.The stuff is strong and can be painted or you can select from various colors. 120" Mitchell here covered with it instead of glass Just iron it on and paint if desired It is the lightest and strongest stuff out there

Funfly8