I found this website last year that sold some kind of white liquid resin (I think it was a 2 part resin like epoxy) or liquid plastic that was used to cover their foam airplane kits. I believe they also sold some WW2 bombers that they cut all the parts from a cnc hot wire. Does anyone happen to know what I'm talking about?

It gave their planes a super nice finish... I'd like to try it and I can't find that site again.

I believe you are referring www.wowplanes.com. The product that they are selling under the name "liquid sheeting" is what I believe to be another product that is usually sold in larger quantities called Styrospray 1000.

Ken

That was fast! thanks, Yup that was the website.

Have you ever tried it or know anyone who has? wonder how well it would work on depron.

I have used it in the industrial setting, and also tried samples on Dow blue foam. It really depends on what you are after in your model. Whether scale, sport, or some other application. Most of the foam modeling I have done has led me to the conclusion that this is not what I would use. If I needed a hard surface finish and strength I would rather go with 3/4 oz glass cloth and epoxy resin, and that would be for a larger size model. It does lay down a smooth finish, but you do need to have it smooth to start with. Their website does have good tutorials for its use.

Ken

Dave,

If you are building small scale planes as your name suggests, then I would not recommend it. This stuff will kill you in weight.

Ken

Hey Ken

I'm really not looking to use it for strength but really for a nicer finish. The models that I make are usually much bigger than "Nano." I know the name may not be the best description for my planes, but they are still pretty small. wingspans from 24" to 32" right now and in the 7.5 oz to 12 oz range, so I hope that this wouldn't add a whole lot of extra weight. maybe an ounce or so would be acceptable. When I made the nano name I was planning to make planes to match the name, but it got put on the back burner as do many projects...

Originally Posted by NanoDave

Hey Ken

I'm really not looking to use it for strength but really for a nicer finish. The models that I make are usually much bigger than "Nano." I know the name may not be the best description for my planes, but they are still pretty small. wingspans from 24" to 32" right now and in the 7.5 oz to 12 oz range, so I hope that this wouldn't add a whole lot of extra weight. maybe an ounce or so would be acceptable. When I made the nano name I was planning to make planes to match the name, but it got put on the back burner as do many projects...

Try brushing on future liquid acrylic floor wax. You can even mix with acrylic paints to use as a primer before top coating your desired color.

You must sand after the first application to get a smooth finish, but it creates a very smooth finish.

I use water-based clear varnish. I add a good amount of babies talcum powder and acrylic colour if desired. Sand after with 240 grade emery, or other paper.One more coat and final sanding.Light weight and quite smooth.To get a strong surface and a MUCH more rigid wing I use diluted white wood glue to glue on fine smooth Saa paper from Chiangmai in Thailand. Wonderful stuff and very cheap .There!

Originally Posted by tsudduth

Try brushing on future liquid acrylic floor wax. You can even mix with acrylic paints to use as a primer before top coating your desired color.

You must sand after the first application to get a smooth finish, but it creates a very smooth finish.

Hmm This sounds interesting. Never thought about floor wax. Does it make a hard rigid outer coating?

Originally Posted by foufly

I use water-based clear varnish. I add a good amount of babies talcum powder and acrylic colour if desired. Sand after with 240 grade emery, or other paper.One more coat and final sanding.Light weight and quite smooth.To get a strong surface and a MUCH more rigid wing I use diluted white wood glue to glue on fine smooth Saa paper from Chiangmai in Thailand. Wonderful stuff and very cheap .There!

I have used Water based polyurethane and babypowder before... yes it works okay..
but what is Saa paper from Chaingmai?

I just Googled Saa paper and it is refered to as mulberry paper made from the bark of Mulberry trees.

Yes Saa paper is mulberry paper.It took a while to find a fine NON hand made one .I will look for a supplier on the net ,its a long way to Thailand! I also found a fine semi transparent tissue that t thought was plastic ,until I .wetted it.It cockles so it cant be.I have just finished a 1.5m powered glider using it ,glueing it on again using white wood glue.Even wet it was quite strong enough.Cant tell you what its called.I am going back to the same stationery shop in Chiangmai in a month to find it,its fabulous! Just buy some samples and stick them on to sanded foam with white PVA glue,good luck!

Thanks for the info on the Mulberry paper.

This sounds very interesting... how much weight does it add? It seems that it can end up pretty heavy. I wonder, is the strength to weight ratio worth it?

Also, how nice of a finish can you achieve with it? any pictures?

I have used the thicker handmade saa paper.The added strength is astonishing!I bruised my knee trying to break one wing to get it into the bin bag!The extra weight varies according to the thickness of the paper and thus amount of glue needed,20 or 30 % more than foam, but you dont need any carbon reinforcing.I have 30 or more planes covered in this way ,up to 2m gliders. They will be around a long time.Brown paper ,kraft, works well too Keep the grain the same way top and bottom or the piece will curl!