When covering something like a wing, do you firmly attach the covering to the ribs by rubbing it down with your fingers as you would around the perimeter?

Chuck

For me, Most often yes,
Otherwise they get partially stuck to the ribs here and there just from the heat gun and that looks like a mistake or something unfinished.

Good luck

It is my opinion that you would not want to attach the covering to the ribs. You will get a lot better, and more evan shrinkage of the covering if you just attach the covering to the parimeter. I also think it looks better. I have only built 4 planes so far, so know that I am not super experienced at covering.

I attach the perimeter first.. shrink then run my iron over the ribs. Helps a bunch with strengthening the wing.

+1

Bob

Tack the perimeter edges first Leading Edge, Trailing Edge, Root and Tip of the wing. Then seal the edges to establish a good bond of film to the wing. Shrink the film to get it taught. And then finally tack the film to the ribs. I've done this numerous times with great success.