Using Plastic Film to imitate Aluminum
 

Has anyone tried Plastic Film coverings to imitate Aluminum skin on builtup airframes? My thoughts are that it might be possible to to use trim cement to soften the glue and adhere the film without shrinking very much. Would the aluminum color film have much metal in it too block out the transmitter signals in addition? Aluminum paint just does not seem to do any credible job of the imitation. Thoughts are welcom from anyone.
Thanks - Darryl

Aluminum heat shrink covering should not have any effect on the radio.

One of the best products out there for doing what I think you are after is called Flite Metal. It is a really soft maleable aluminum with a very aggressive adhesive already applied. This stuff may be hard to get hold of and will be somewhat pricy but will go on around compound curves pretty easily. I have an F-86 covered with Flite Metal and it does not affect my radio performance. I use Futaba. I have seen other popular brands have some difficulty getting adequate range check requiring experimentation with location of antennae.

Alternatively, Bob Violet Models provides a paint system that will provide superior results if you are willing to put forth the effort required. Again, this product is pretty spendy.

Steve - Thanks for the reply. I'll certainly look into your suggestions. For your info the kit I have is a Royal .40-.60 size B-25 of some years back.

Sincerely - Darryl

Hi!
I used Chrome Oracover , wet sanded on a piece of glass with 1200 paper.

Jak - What a great looking result, I think I would your solution if and when I get to the point of finishing the kit.
Thanks for your input

Sincerely - Darryl

Hi!
Oracover is much lighter then using Duct-tape for covering and suits smaller models like my 211cm span, 3,6kg Marutaka DC-3 better than using Duct tape. However, I used aluminium duct tape on some details ,like the engine cowlings, wingsaddle and nose cone on the fuselage where radius was too small for Oracover to be used.

How about this?
https://www.micromark.com/Bare-Metal...tte-Aluminum-Set-of-2
Attachment 2247607

Check Meister-Scale.com Dino has what you need
http://www.aero-accessories.com/Builders.html

A flyer(Tom) in one of our clubs built (and rebuilt!) P-38's and covered them using Monokote aluminum film.
He did such a good job on new and repaired planes that you could not tell it was a film coating. It looked like aluminum panels.
So I guess if one is talented enough they can make anything look realistic.

Can you post a picture of it?

Hi!
Monokote is not as good as Oracover as it doesn't go a round curves as easy and is not as pliable and easy to use.
So if you would like to cover a plane so it looks like aluminium ,use Oracover.