Sunny_B

I've never built a scale warplane, but I have always wondered why everyone seems to cover the wood model with fiberglass. Is this done for added strength? Are the models not strong enough as designed? Is it a cosmetic reason? i did a search of the forum but apparently phrased it wrong as I got no returns. Thanks in advance. Sunny

Raghfrost

basically u have all the ans. and it gives u a long lasting finish

CafeenMan

Actually strength is usually a secondary consideration. The reason most people apply a glass base is to seal the grain before painting. If you try to seal balsa you'll use a ton of filler and probably still see wood grain. Even if you don't see grain right away you probably will later.

The glass sits on top of the wood and uses much less filler for a much better result. Once it's filled it can be painted and you'll never know the underlying structure is wood.

I have a tutorial on my site explaining more about the benefits and how to apply it.

tailskid

My Feedback: (34)

I usually only glass the top of the wing/stab to save some weight....of course I don't enter contests so the bottom doesn't get too much attention.

Jerry

branded

My Feedback: (9)

The glass is merely a substrate for paint, no more, no less.....