Foam Core wings
 

Any tips or suggestions on how to cover foam core wings with Monokote or any of the monokote type covering materials. Foam cores are sheeted with 1/16 balsa sheeting.
Thanks

Sand the balsa sheeting very well with 400 grit minimum. I actually like to go to 1000 grit but the difference is so minute that only I can see it. Next dust the wings very well. I use black T shirts for this. You will be amazed how much dust is on the wings. I usually have to go over them 8 to 10 times. Once they are clean it's time to start. Have your Iron set to 2.5 with a sock, your heat gun and a folded T shirt ready. It's time for the secret, tack down the first few inches of the wing root, then an inch or so of the leading and trilling edges. Pull the covering tight as you go so that there is as little shrinking required as possible. Leave the tip unattached for now. Next, with your heat gun start at the root and shrink the covering tight while going over it with the T shirt immediately after removing heat. It's best to do a few inches at a time. The heat will shrink the covering and activate the adhesive. By gently pressing down on the covering, you are adhering it to the wood. Work from the root end towards the tip while working all the air out, air leads to bubbles when exposed to sun.

I use a tack cloth for removing dust, They are excellent for this....just ask any custom auto painter.
There are a few good books on covering with Monocote, one by Faye Stilley, who is a master at this.

I do it like this but instead of using a t shirt, I use a thick cotton glove. That way I can keep the heat closer to my hand as I rub down the monokote.


carl

I tried a tack tack cloth and didn't like the results. They work great on a non porous surface but not so good on wood. Some also leave a residue behind that can affect the adhesion of Monokote.