handyman

My Feedback: (2)

to prime or not to prime (wood sealer)...does any do it or not.will it help keep the coving down better..and if you do what do you use

robert92679

When I am covering with mono/ultra kote, I don't use a sealer/primer on the whole plane. I might put some on curves, corners or edges where I think the covering might come loose over time. I used to use Balsarite with good results, but can't get it in California any longer. I've since used Sig Stix-It as a substitute, but didn't like it as much. I think it is thicker/heavier than the Balsarite. With both it is necessary to sand (again) lightly before the covering is applied.

Robert

Safebet

My Feedback: (12)

I don't have a lot of experience, but I tried something I read in this forum. I spray the bare wood surfaces with cheap hairspray just before I cover. Mind you, I have completed sanding with 400 grit, blow off the dust and then I spray with hair spray. It seems to help the covering adhere well. I use UltraKote.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

I tried something new on the last big building project I did. After the plane was sanded and ready to cover, I made a mixture of water and white glue - probably 3 or 4 parts water to one part glue - and painted the entire surface with it. Let it dry and give it a final sanding with very fine (400 - 600) sandpaper.

The results were spectacular!. The wood was as smooth as a baby's behind, and the covering (It was covered with both Ultracote and MonoKote) still looks as good as the day it was put on (2 years ago)

NitroWoman

The Hairspray idea is interesting. How does it hold up in the heat and bright sunlight? Does the covering bubble? Which of the cheap brands did you use?

piper_chuck

My Feedback: (12)

What, no graphic?

jaka

Hi!
I have covered many planes during my 30 years in this hobby and I can assure you that no priming is necessary when using plastic covering like Oracover (Ultracote in the states) and Monokote or their fabric cousins Solartex and Oratex.
Just iron it down and enjoy!

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Safebet

My Feedback: (12)

Well, I really don't think brand matters, but it is Suave - Maximum Hold. It appears to seal the wood and also add to the adhesive qualities of UltraKote. The water and glue idea sounds good too. I did not have any more trouble with bubbling than without it. When I get a bubble, I just ***** it with my #11 blade and iron it down.

CAPtain232

My Feedback: (40)

As MINNFLYER suggests, mix white glue and H2O, paint the entire surface with it, sand one last time and cover. This is a builder's trick and it WORKS VERY WELL. Be carefull not too apply too much